Hardly any other tree has influenced garden culture in Europe as much as the boxwood. The only species native to Central Europe - Buxus sempervirens - is particularly popular as a topiary or as a hedge plant. In order for the boxwood to grow well, it needs a suitable location.
Which location is optimal for a box tree?
The ideal location for a boxwood is partially shaded to sunny, but without blazing midday sun or excessive heat. The boxwood prefers calcareous, clayey and humus-rich soils and should be planted protected from wind.
Where should you plant a boxwood?
The boxwood is very tolerant when it comes to lighting conditions: it can be planted in both shady and sunny locations as long as it doesn't get too hot there. It is much more important to choose a place in the garden that is protected from the wind. The suitable soil is also the more relevant selection criterion for the optimal location.
How much sun does a boxwood need?
Basically, the boxwood thrives best in a partially shaded to sunny location, as long as it is not too hot there. Blazing midday sun, generally strong sunlight and/or a spot in front of a south-facing wall should be avoided as far as possible. This causes sunburn on the leaves and leads to permanent leaf damage.
However, it shouldn't be too dark because the boxwood will no longer grow. Boxwood thrives very well in light shade, but less so in full shade.
On which soils does boxwood thrive?
Boxwood feels most comfortable in a location with calcareous, clayey and humus-rich soil. This may tend to be dry, as planted boxwood is quite insensitive to dry conditions. However, this does not apply to waterlogging, which you should definitely prevent with drainage in heavy soils.
You can also plant the boxwood in light sandy soil, but you should improve this garden soil with ripe compost or humus soil.
Which location should you choose for a boxwood in a pot?
Boxwood can be cultivated very well in pots, but in this case it should not be too sunny. Due to the small amount of soil, the box would otherwise dry out too quickly, which is why you have to water more often the sunnier the plant pot is. The hot midday sun in particular should be avoided in the summer months.
What planting distance should be maintained for boxwood?
Since boxwood can grow quite tall and wide - Buxus sempervirens reaches a height of up to five meters uncut and can be up to four meters wide - you should not plant the young plants too close together. To plant hedges, box trees that are approximately 10 to 15 centimeters high should be planted at a distance of around 15 centimeters. You will then need four to six young plants per meter of hedge.
Tip
When is the optimal planting time for boxwood?
Boxwood should be planted in spring if possible. To avoid frost damage, you should only put the plants outside when it is a little warmer and there is no longer any threat of night frost. Loosen the soil well beforehand and lift mature compost under the excavation.
