These beloved but difficult shrubs have a bad reputation, but proper selection and care will yield healthy, vigorous results
Many nurseryman here in the Mid - Atlantic are straying far and far away from boxwoods ( Buxusspp . and cvs . , Zones 4–9 ) . Quite honestly , box have gotten a high-risk rap . The biggest grounds for their declining repute is the dreadfulboxwood blight(Cylindrocladium buxicola ) . However , after talking to Bennett Saunders of Saunders Brothers Nurseries in Piney River , Virginia , I have hope for grow beautiful , achievable boxwoods in this region . Saunders is confident that boxwoods will make a comeback in the next few years due to gardeners learning about best - direction practice for the disease and novel blight - resistant selection becoming uncommitted in the deal .
Boxwood blight is a huge problem but jolly Modern to us in the Mid - Atlantic . We have to consider the job that have been plaguing gardener for 100 of yr , such as prow blight , root rot , and pests like leaf miner and Turkish boxwood psyllids . to preclude these problem , Saunders asserts that best - management practices are by far the most effective room to keep problem , even box blight . These drill include industrial plant excerption , site selection , right planting technique , and right maintenance .
Plant selection
Saunders ’s baby’s room is heavy tortuous in research new boxwood varieties . While take care for and growing unexampled boxwoods , the three most important criteria the nursery look for are(1)resistance to pestilence such as leaf miner,(2)resistance to box blight , and(3)the “ wow ” element of the plant ’s visual aspect from afar . Saunders ’s three best-loved boxwoods are ‘ Little Missy ’ Turkish boxwood ( B. microphylla , Zones 5–9 ) , Independence ® box ( B.‘SB 108 ’ , zona 5b–9 ) , and Freedom ® Turkish boxwood ( B.‘SB 300 ’ , zone 5–8 ) . name in monastic order of growth charge per unit , all three are known to be more resistant to pests and disease and to look great in the garden . Other unattackable selections are two Korean boxwood : ‘ Nana ’ ( Buxus sinicavar.insularis‘Nana ’ , Zones 4–9 ) and ‘ Franklin ’s Gem ’ ( Buxus sinicasyn . B. microphylla‘Franklin ’s Gem ’ , Zones 5–8 ) . Both Turkish boxwood need little pruning and remain small and stocky .
Saunders absolutely urge against planting English Turkish boxwood ( genus Buxus sempervirens‘Suffruticosa ’ , Zones 5–8 ) . He believes this plant is a magnet for disease , specifically boxwood blight . He recommend removing it from the garden if you have it , as there are so many honorable selection available .
Site selection
Next , intend about where you would care to develop your boxwoods . All boxwood do well in shade , but not all of them stomach full Lord’s Day . ‘ Nana ’ Korean box is one of the change that will not thrive in full sun and thus become stressed and susceptible to pestilence and diseases . So witness the boxwood that will best stomach your condition . No Turkish boxwood like besotted soil , so recover a well - enfeeble area away from downspouts or low - lying spots .
Also , boxwood require excellent air travel circulation . They perform good in an open area where the aviation spread the most . Next to a construction or under a dumbly plant area with tree is not an ideal condition for boxwoods .
Proper planting technique
When you are ready to plant your Turkish boxwood , be sure to imbed properly . Testing the soil first is idealistic . Turkish boxwood maturate best at a neutral pH ( 6.5 to 7 ) . Before planting , better the soil as need for additional nutrient and drain . When digging the trap for a Turkish boxwood , make certain the root word clump will sit 1 to 2 inches above the soil grade , leaving the base of the root word clear of soil .
Maintenance
at long last , when maintaining your boxwood , check that the flora is well water and does not become overly juiceless . Fertilize on an as - needed groundwork according to soil tests . in general , boxwoods do not need a lot of fertilizer . Also , be sure to mulch on a regular basis , as mulch will regulate soil temperature and facilitate reduce spores of the fungus that causes box blight .
boxwood are a plant life that gardeners get it on to shape and prune . However , be sure to use practices that will reduce the spread of disease . Clean your pruner before and after pruning with a diluted bleach solution or isopropyl alcohol . It is best to scavenge before and after pruning each plant , if possible . Prune when diseases are more dormant , such as in late wintertime or other fountain .
If Mid - Atlantic gardeners comply a few guideline when take , planting , and maintaining boxwoods , they will not meet as many job as they are led to gestate . Best - management practice along with more blight - resistant selections emerging on the grocery store will keep disease and pests at bay , and gardener will be less wary about supply boxwoods to their gardens in coming years .
— Michele Christiano has worked in public gardens for most of her calling . She currently works as an estate gardener maintaining a private Piet Oudolf garden .
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‘Nana’ Korean boxwood is bred with exceptional pest and disease resistance in mind. However, like many boxwoods, it’s picky about ideal growing conditions.Photo: Michele Christiano
Independence®boxwood has dark foliage and good disease and pest resistance.Photo: Michele Christiano
Boxwood blight is characterized by drying, thinning, and browning foliage, which will eventually take over the entire shrub.Photo: courtesy of Saunders Genetics LLC
