Boxwood trees (Buxus spp. ) are a popular landscape shrub, particularly for hedging or forming topiaries. With proper care and maintenance, boxwood trees can last for many years, some as long as 150 years or more.
These evergreens can tolerate a range of temperatures, soils, and moisture levels, but are not drought tolerant and need consistent watering, especially when first planted.
They do best when planted in well-draining soils, in a sunny or partially shaded area with protection from drying winter winds. Pruning is necessary for boxwood trees, but should be done carefully using precise techniques so as not to damage the tree.
If all of these best practices are followed, it is likely that your boxwood trees will remain healthy and thrive for many many years.
Where do boxwood trees grow?
Boxwood trees are a type of evergreen shrub that is native to Europe and Northern Africa, but can also be found growing in parts of Asia, the Middle East and North America. They thrive in climates with mild winters and generally prefer areas where temperatures are above 18°F.
Boxwood trees need full sun to partial shade and well-drained, loamy soil to grow the best. When given the proper environment, these trees can reach heights of up to twenty feet, with a wide spread of up to ten feet.
They are great for adding an element of greenery to any garden and can be pruned and trimmed to fit into a desired shape. For colder climates, boxwoods can be planted in pots or containers that can be brought indoors during winter months to protect them from being damaged by the colder temperatures.
Because they are slow growing, they do not need too much maintenance and can even thrive in coastal regions and urban areas.
What is natural boxwood?
Natural boxwood is a species of evergreen shrub (Buxus sempervirens) that has been widely used for centuries for decorative purposes due its dense foliage, ability to tolerate shearing, and hardiness in both cold and hot conditions.
The shrub is native to Europe and some parts of the Middle East and North Africa, and is also cultivated in Asia, North America, and Australia. The species also belongs to a group of plants known for producing a light-colored and pliable wood that has been historically used for carving and sculpting.
The wood has great strength and durability, making it ideal for use in both construction and crafts. The leaves of the boxwood shrub are leathery, glossy, and point-like, and it produces small, yellow flowers in spring and a three-sided capsule (fruit) in late summer or early fall.
The shrub requires a full-sun environment with well-drained soil and regular watering, and can be propagated either through seeds or cuttings.
Do boxwoods have flowers?
Yes, boxwoods do have flowers! The flowers of boxwoods are small and yellow, and they are separate male and female flowers that grow on the same plant. The male flowers are borne on slender stalks, while the female flowers are borne in clusters.
They have a sweet, faint scent, and typically bloom from mid-April to June. The major benefit of boxwood flowers is that they produce fruit, which will attract birds and other wildlife. The fruit is a hard, round capsule about 3/4 of an inch long that contains three to four seeds.
Boxwoods are dioecious, meaning flowers of only one gender are produced on each plant. Therefore, it is necessary to plant both male and female plants in order to receive fruit.
Is boxwood poisonous to dogs?
No, boxwood is not poisonous to dogs. This evergreen shrub is typically safe for pets, as long as they do not eat large amounts of the leaves or bark. If your dog does eat the plant, he or she may experience some stomach upset, but it is not typically serious.
If your dog does show signs of distress such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, contact your veterinarian for advice. Additionally, it is important to check that the boxwood was not treated with any form of insecticide or herbicide; these chemicals can be harmful if ingested by animals.
How can we protect topiary in winter?
Protecting topiary in winter can be done in a few ways. One of the best ways to protect topiary is to wrap it in burlap or horticultural fleece. Wrapping the topiary will help to keep it protected from the cold air and winds that may occur during a winter season.
For the burlap, ensure the openings in the mesh of the fabric are large enough to allow adequate air circulation, as topiary are prone to fungal growth if wrapped too tightly. Additionally, you can use waterproof fabric, such as plastic sheeting, to wrap the topiary, as it will stand up better to the wet weather and still provide protection from the cold.
You may also want to move your topiary indoors to a warm and dry environment to help protect it during the winter months. Make sure the spot you choose is near a south-facing window, as topiary need a lot of light and exposure to heat to grow and thrive.
Finally, ensure the soil remains moist throughout the winter months, as overly dry soil can be detrimental to a topiary’s health. Water enough to keep the soil moist, but not so much that it gets water-logged.
In the winter months, the growth of the topiary will slow, so there is no need to fertilize the plants during this period.
Can myrtle topiary survive winter?
Yes, myrtle topiary can survive winter in many areas with the appropriate care. Myrtle topiary, like other topiary plants, is typically an evergreen and can tolerate chilly temperatures and lower light levels.
While it cannot survive in some cold winter climates, it can survive winter in mild-to-temperate climates with proper winter protection and maintenance.
In milder winter climates, myrtle topiary can survive with minimal intervention. Keeping your myrtle topiary protected from drafts and ensuring that the soil is kept moist throughout the winter can help it survive.
Additionally, it is important to regularly prune your myrtle topiary to keep it looking its best and to help protect it against the elements.
In colder climates, it may be necessary to take additional steps to prepare your myrtle topiary for the winter. This may include wrapping it in burlap or planting it in a pot and bringing it indoors.
Once indoors, it’s important to make sure that your plant is getting plenty of light and water to ensure that it survives.
No matter the climate, it is crucial to check the weather and prepare your myrtle topiary accordingly. Taking these extra steps in preparation can help your myrtle topiary thrive in the winter and ensure that it is ready for the next growing season.
How do you keep a topiary alive?
Keeping a topiary alive requires regular care and maintenance. First, make sure that the topiary is planted in a pot filled with well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Then, it should be placed in an area with full sun exposure.
Ensure that you water your topiary whenever the soil has begun to dry out (about once a week). Once the topiary is established, it should be fertilized monthly with a balanced fertilizer. It is also important to prune your topiary regularly to promote healthy growth and to control the size and shape of the shrub.
Additionally, make sure to remove any dead or damaged branches as soon as you observe them. With the proper care and maintenance, your topiary will remain healthy and vibrant for years to come.
Why are my topiary trees turning brown?
It could be caused by lack of moisture, too much sunlight, or nutrient deficiencies. Your plants need regular watering, especially during long periods of hot weather, to remain healthy and vibrant. Over-watering can also cause your plants to turn brown, so be sure to water only when the soil feels dry – it’s better to err on the side of underwatering topiary trees, as too much water can do more harm than good.
If your plants seem to be receiving too much heat and direct sunlight, consider partially shading them from the sun’s rays. Be sure to give your plants the nutrients they need in order to stay healthy – compost, fertilizer, and other supplements will help ensure your plants are receiving all the nutrients they need.
If the plants seem to still be struggling, reach out to a professional for further advice.
What do you cover plants with to protect from frost?
When protecting plants from frost, it is important to use some kind of protective covering. One popular option is to use a frost cloth or row cover fabric. These materials are lightweight and breathable, allowing air, light and moisture to reach the plants while providing insulation from dropping temperatures.
The material should be draped over the plant, creating a “tent” that reaches close to the ground. It can then be secured with stakes or rocks. Alternatively, many gardeners use plastic over their plants for frost protection.
This includes items like buckets, garbage cans and other large containers that can be placed over the plant. These items should also be secured to prevent them from blowing away. It is important to note that only certain plants may benefit from plastic frost protection, including those that are resilient to heat while they are covered, as the plastic can trap warmth and create its own microclimate.
How do I protect my potted boxwoods in the winter?
In order to protect your potted boxwoods in the winter, there are a few steps you can take. First, if you have room to do so, move your boxwoods to a sheltered spot such as a garage, shed, or covered patio during any big cold snaps.
This will protect them from the elements like wind, snow, and freezing temperatures.
You should also wrap the boxwoods in burlap or a similar breathable material during cold winter months to insulate them. This will help trap heat and keep them warm.
You can also invest in pot heaters, particularly if you are unable to move your boxwoods. These are special devices that fit inside of pots and generate heat to keep your plants warm.
To ensure your boxwoods get enough water, make sure you give them regular waterings and check the soil regularly. During the winter, the soil will dry out more quickly, so keep an eye on it to make sure your boxwoods are getting enough water.
Finally, if temperatures start to dip below 25 degrees Fahrenheit, you can sprinkle pine needles around the base of each boxwood to act as an additional insulating barrier.
By following these steps, you can be sure that your potted boxwoods will stay healthy and protected during the winter.
Do topiary trees need sunlight?
Yes, topiary trees do need sunlight. These trees, typically made of evergreen plants, require plenty of sunlight to grow and thrive. Ideally, they should get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Without adequate light, the plants used in topiary tree arrangements may become weak, leggy, and suffer from lack of foliage or uneven growth. Additionally, topiary trees need plenty of water and draining soil, as root rot and fungal issues can be common if the plants are overwatered.
Overall, providing your topiary trees with ample sunlight and proper care will help them to reach their full potential and look their best for as long as possible.
How often do you water topiaries?
When caring for topiaries, it is important to pay close attention to the water requirements. Generally, topiaries require a moderate amount of water and should be watered every 2-3 days in the summer months, and once a week in the colder months.
It is important to water slowly and deeply until the soil is moist throughout. During the summer months, topiaries should be watered to the point of runoff, and then wait for the soil to dry before watering again.
Doing this will help to encourage an extensive root system, which will aid in the growth of topiaries. Additionally, you will want to make sure that any excess water is removed from the pot in order for the soil to remain well-draining.
Overwatering should be avoided as this can result in root rot, which negatively affects the health of the topiary. If weather conditions are particularly dry, topiaries may need to be watered more often in order to ensure that they are receiving adequate hydration.
Can topiary grow in pots?
Yes, topiary can grow in pots. Depending on the type of topiary you want, the best approach for potting is either to get a pot that is already large enough for the specimen or to start with a smaller-sized pot, such as a terracotta pot, and gradually move up in size as the topiary grows larger.
If you choose to start with a smaller pot, make sure that you don’t leave your topiary in the same pot for too long, as they can become root-bound if kept in a pot that’s too small. When choosing a pot for your topiary, make sure the pot has a hole at the bottom for drainage, so that water won’t pool and cause root rot.
When it comes to soil, start with a soil mix that contains peat moss, pine bark, and either potting soil or sand. To help ensure your topiary will remain healthy and look great, fertilize every couple of weeks and prune it using shears to keep its desired shape, as needed.