Why I Love Buxus and How to Care for It
There's something undeniably special about Buxus (Boxwood). For me, the joy of having Buxus in my garden is all about its evergreen coverage. No matter the season, Buxus ensures my garden stays lush and green, providing year-round coverage. Whether it's the depths of winter or the height of summer, the vibrant green of the Buxus never fades, adding a constant, timeless elegance to my outdoor space.
But the beauty of Buxus goes beyond just its appearance. Here's why I love it so much and how you can care for yours to keep it looking its best all year long:
1. Evergreen Beauty All Year Round
One of the primary reasons Buxus is such a favoruite of mine is its year-round greenery. Unlike many plants that lose their leaves or fade in colour during winter, Buxus stays strong, adding a splash of life to the garden even in the coldest months. This makes it the perfect addition for creating structure and consistency throughout the seasons.
2. Ideal for Herbaceous Borders
Buxus is fantastic for edging herbaceous borders, as its dense, compact growth provides a formal yet soft boundary to other plants. I find it helps give definition to my garden while allowing the more vibrant, colourful flowers to take centre stage. The contrast between the structured Buxus and the loose, wild nature of herbaceous plants is something I absolutely love, it creates a balance of formality and natural beauty.
3. A Touch of Formality
For those who, like me, enjoy a touch of formality in their garden design, Buxus is an obvious choice. Its neat, tidy appearance can be shaped into sharp lines or even intricate topiary designs, giving any garden a classic, stately feel. Whether lining pathways or forming the backdrop to a flower bed, Buxus adds that extra bit of sophistication that makes everything feel just a little more refined.
4. Relatively Hardy
Buxus is relatively hardy when it comes to weather, which is another reason it remains a favourite of mine. In my garden, it’s withstood both the blazing heat of summer and the freezing temperatures of winter. That said, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on it during extreme weather conditions, just in case it needs a little extra care.
5. Watch Out for Box Blight
One thing to be mindful of with Buxus is the risk of box blight. This fungal disease can quickly turn your healthy plants into something rather sad and bedraggled. Over the years, I’ve found the best way to prevent box blight is by using a product called Top Buxus. In the spring, I apply Top Buxus fertilizer to give my plants a nutrient boost right as the growing season begins. Then, during the summer, I use Top Buxus Health Mix, which is a powder that is dissolved in water and then I spray it directly onto the leaves to strengthen and protect the plant.
By being proactive with these treatments, I’ve been able to keep my Buxus healthy and blight-free, and I highly recommend this approach to anyone with Buxus in their garden.
6. Pruning Buxus: Hand Shears Over Electric Cutters
When it comes to cutting Buxus, I prefer to use hand shears rather than electric or motorised hedge trimmers. It gives me more control and allows for a more precise, careful cut. Plus, I find that using hand tools is gentler on the plants, reducing the risk of damaging the foliage or stems.
It’s crucial, though, to make sure that your shears are kept sharp and clean. A dull blade can crush the stems rather than cleanly cutting them, which opens the door to disease. Cleaning your tools between use also helps prevent the spread of any contaminants from other plants.
7. The Importance of a Tension Line
For a nice, uniform cut, I always use a tension line when trimming my Buxus hedge. It’s a simple trick, but it makes a big difference in keeping the hedge straight and even. Whether you’re aiming for a perfectly level top or a slightly sloped design, the tension line is your friend. It’s a quick setup that helps ensure your hedge looks professionally maintained every time.
Caring for Buxus may require a bit of attention, but the rewards are well worth the effort. For me, the combination of year-round greenery, structure, and formality it brings to the garden is unmatched by any other plant. Plus, with a few simple steps like using the right products and pruning carefully, you can ensure your Buxus stays healthy and vibrant all year long.