The dense, evergreen boxwood bushes (Buxus) are ideal for planting borders or a formal hedge. Boxwood naturally grows extremely slowly; depending on the variety, growth rates are a maximum of five to ten centimeters per year. Diseases and pest infestations further depress the low growth rates.
Why isn't my boxwood growing?
Why isn't my boxwood growing? Possible reasons include planting too deep, incorrect cutting, pests or diseases. For optimal growth, the boxwood needs a sunny to partially shaded location, well-drained soil and balanced fertilization.
What the box needs for optimal growth
In order for your freshly planted box trees to grow at the desired speed and quickly develop shiny, dense foliage, they need ideal growing conditions. This is part of it:
- a sunny to partially shaded location
- this should be airy and not too warm
- Planting site should not be exposed to wind either, i.e. H. be frequently exposed to strong winds
- a well-drained, humus-rich and fresh soil
- a pH value between 7 and 8 (if necessary, lime before planting)
That's why the boxwood doesn't grow
There are many reasons for the lack of growth of a boxwood.
Don’t plant boxwood too deep
A common mistake is planting young boxwood plants too deep. Place them just as deep as before in the planter so that the shallow root system growing close to the surface can spread unhindered. The deep planting is often a reason why the young box doesn't really want to grow. Drought stress also leads to growth inhibition, especially if it occurs during the rooting phase. To avoid this, you should cover the root area with a layer of mulch about five to seven centimeters thick and water the young plants regularly.
Incorrect cutting
Incorrect cutting also has an inhibiting effect on the growth of the boxwood. Prune young shrubs in the first few years after planting after budding in spring. Do not shorten the entire new shoot down to the old wood, but leave a few centimeters. This way you encourage the growth of new branches. Also, do not cut later than September so that any newly sprouted branches do not freeze back in winter.
Pests and diseases
Of course, boxwood will not grow if it is weakened by a disease or a massive pest infestation and simply has no strength left for new growth. Check your plants regularly for diseases or pests and take appropriate countermeasures. In many cases - especially when it is a fungal disease - severe pruning is necessary. In order to subsequently strengthen the plant, it needs fertilization with organic material, such as compost (€43.00 on Amazon) and horn shavings.
Tip
In addition to an undersupply of nutrients, over-fertilization, especially with nitrogen, is also a reason for the boxwood's susceptibility to diseases and pests. Therefore, use organic fertilizers wherever possible.
