Quck answer
Japanese Boxwoods are popular evergreen shrubs known for their compact size and dense foliage. To plant and care for Japanese Boxwoods, follow these steps:
1. Choose a suitable location: Japanese Boxwoods prefer partial shade or full sun and well-drained soil.
2. Dig a hole: Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball of the plant.
3. Plant the shrub: Place the Japanese Boxwood in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
4. Backfill the hole: Fill the hole with soil, tamping it down gently to remove air pockets.
5. Water the plant: Water the shrub thoroughly after planting and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
6. Prune as needed: Prune Japanese Boxwoods in early spring to maintain their shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.
7. Fertilize regularly: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring and summer to promote healthy growth.
By following these steps, you can successfully plant and care for Japanese Boxwoods, creating a beautiful addition to your garden.
Japanese boxwood, scientifically known as Buxus microphylla var. japonica, is a versatile shrub commonly used for hedges and foundation plantings. While it requires some ongoing care, it is not a high-maintenance plant. To ensure the health of your Japanese boxwood, it is important to follow proper planting and care techniques. This evergreen shrub has a compact growth habit, reaching a width of 6 to 8 feet and a height of 10 to 15 feet. It is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 6 through 9.
Requirements for Sun, Spacing, and Soil
When creating a hedge with Japanese boxwoods, plant them 3 feet apart. For a more informal look, stagger the shrubs, leaving at least 3 feet of space between them. It is best to plant new shrubs in the fall or spring. In areas with mild winters and light frosts, planting can be done throughout the winter season.
Choose a planting location that provides full sun to partial shade and is sheltered from strong winds. While Japanese boxwoods can tolerate full shade, their growth may be slower due to limited light. It is recommended to plant them in loamy soil that has good drainage.
Planting Japanese Boxwoods: Step-by-Step Guide
Planting a Japanese boxwood shrub is a straightforward process, but there are a few key steps to keep in mind:
- Wearing gloves, use a shovel to dig a hole that is the same depth as the root ball of the boxwood and twice as wide.
- Hold the shrub by its base, remove it from the nursery pot, and carefully place it in the hole. Ensure that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- If needed, adjust the depth of the hole by digging deeper or adding soil until the plant is level.
- Tamp down the soil that was dug out of the hole around the root ball, filling in any air pockets or holes as you go.
- Bring the soil up to the base of the trunk, being cautious not to create a mound of soil around the trunk higher than the surrounding ground level.
- Use the excavated soil to fill in the hole, avoiding the use of organic matter or amendments that can cause drainage issues.
Proper Watering Techniques
After planting, it is crucial to water the Japanese boxwood thoroughly to ensure the soil is damp up to a depth of 12 inches. Using a soaker hose is recommended as it allows the water to slowly penetrate the soil, reaching the roots effectively. Water the soil from the base of the trunk all the way to the outer branch tips.
During the first two years, water the shrub weekly during dry weather or when there is no rainfall, especially in the summer. Each time, make sure to water enough to dampen the soil up to a depth of 12 inches. Once the shrub is established, watering can be extended to every 10 days during dry spells.
Mulching for Optimal Growth
To promote healthy growth, apply a layer of organic mulch, such as compost, bark, pine straw, or any other suitable material, around the base of the Japanese boxwood. The mulch should be 1 to 2 inches deep.
- Spread the mulch starting 1 to 2 inches away from the trunk and extend it up to 12 inches beyond the outer leaves.
- Avoid allowing the mulch to come into direct contact with the trunk of the plant.
Spring Fertilization
In early spring, before new green growth appears, fertilize the Japanese boxwood according to the results of a soil test. If a soil test is not available, a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer can be used as a substitute.
Proper Care for Japanese Boxwood
- To fertilize your Japanese boxwood, measure out 1 1/2 cups of fertilizer for every 100 square feet of area.
- Evenly sprinkle the fertilizer on the soil, starting 6 inches away from the base of the trunk and extending out to the area under the outer branch tips.
- After spreading the fertilizer, make sure to water the area well.
Trimming and Shearing
If necessary, trim or shear your Japanese boxwood in the spring after the last expected frost date in your region.
- For a formal hedge or rounded shape, use hedge clippers to prune your boxwood.
- Before clipping your Japanese boxwood, sanitize your hedge clippers to prevent the spread of disease.
- Before each cut, wipe the blades with alcohol.
Pest Identification and Treatment
Japanese boxwood is relatively resistant to pests, but it can still encounter issues. Two common pests are boxwood leafminer and boxwood mites.
The boxwood leafminer’s larvae feed inside the leaves, causing blistering, raised areas, and brown tunnel-like markings. In summer, the adult leafminers, which are pale red, fly-like insects, lay eggs.
Tip
To control boxwood leafminer, prune and destroy affected branches as soon as you notice signs of larvae, typically in spring. This helps reduce the population. Additionally, encourage predatory insects like garden spiders to keep boxwood leafminers in check.
Boxwood mites are small sap-sucking insects that feed on the undersides of leaves. Under a magnifying glass, you can see tiny, tan insects that create brown flecks or marks on the leaf surfaces.
Tip
To control boxwood mites, spray the entire shrub with diluted insecticidal soap. Mix 4 teaspoons of concentrated insecticidal soap with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray directly on the mites.
When using insecticidal soaps, remember that they are still pesticides, although less toxic than some chemical pesticides. Wear protective gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection. Spray on a calm day and avoid spraying beneficial insects like bees.
