Whether as a hedge plant or as a soloist in a pot: the boxwood is particularly popular for its dense growth and dark green leaves. Proper care is very important so that it stays healthy and grows quickly. Especially in summer, for example, you have to fertilize your boxwood to promote growth and strengthen the plant. When, how much and which home remedies and commercial fertilizers are suitable – we will tell you in the article.
Fertilizing boxwood: When do you start fertilizing?
The boxwood is fertilized during the growth phase (around the end of April to the end of August). This growing season is divided into three periods:
- At the end of April, at the start of the gardening season, the boxwood is strengthened and provided with all the necessary nutrients so that it can sprout quickly. In garden centers you can find slow-release fertilizer for this purpose, which gradually releases the necessary minerals and microelements into the soil. Alternatively, you can work horn shavings into the soil. A combination of compost and coffee grounds is then administered in two weeks - so the boxwood has everything it needs to sprout quickly.
- At the beginning of June, after anourishing cut, the boxwood is fertilized again. This time the goal is to accelerate growth. To achieve this goal, fast-acting commercial fertilizers such as blue grain are used. A natural alternative to blue grain would be Epsom salt, which is an important source of magnesium and thus protects the hedge plant from leaf diseases.
- At the end of the growth phase, the boxwood receives a final dose of potassium fertilizer, which provides the plant with important nutrients so that it gets through the winter well. Wood ash and dandelion manure are natural alternatives.
- In special cases, such as after a borer infestation, the boxwood needs special strengthening.
Fertilizing boxwood: home remedies and tips for use
Below we will explain to you which other natural fertilizers are possible and how to use them correctly.
Fertilize boxwood with algae lime after borer infestation
Box trees often fall victim to the pest box tree borer. The control measures begin with severe pruning and the removal of all diseased parts of the plant. The boxwood is then treated with home remedies or organic preparations. In the end, the tree needs strengthening so that it can recover. Algae lime can help with this. It enables better absorption of nutrients through the water in the soil and regulates the soil pH. Algae lime is also given to the healthy neighboring plants to prevent renewed infestation. The special thing about this fertilizer is the application. It is given directly on the leaves and stays there for a day. After the end of the exposure time, it is rinsed off.
Fertilize the container plant with Epsom salt
The shrub also thrives as a solitary plant in a container as long as the soil is permeable. Many hobby gardeners incorporate sand into the potting soil to improve drainage. However, this method has one disadvantage - a magnesium deficiency often occurs. To remedy this, Epsom salt is administered. The fertilizer is sold in powder form and then dissolved in water. About 20g is added to a 1 liter spray bottle and then water is filled. The solution is sprayed directly onto the leaves - then it takes effect particularly quickly.
Fertilize the boxwood hedge with horn shavings, coffee grounds and compost
Do you have a boxwood hedge? Then you should fertilize them in the summer, around mid to late June, directly after the topiary. A mixture of compost and horn shavings works well for this purpose. Work around 500 g of compost and 50 g of horn shavings into the root area per plant. If desired, you can add 1 tablespoon of coffee grounds to the fertilizer. However, don't overdo it with the coffee grounds - too much of a good thing can reduce the permeability of the soil. Do not apply fertilizer for the next 2 months. Only apply potassium fertilizer at the end of August.
Organic fertilizers with long-term effects: horse manure
There are also various organic fertilizers with long-term effects. Horse manure is definitely one of them. The home remedy promotes the microorganisms in the soil and is gradually decomposed. This avoids over-fertilization and the boxwood receives the necessary nutrients over a period of several weeks / up to two months.
Commercial boxwood fertilizer + blue grain
If you want to supply your boxwood with a commercially available fertilizer, you should choose an NPK fertilizer 7+5+5. This ratio between nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is optimal for the hedge plant and covers its nutrient needs.
Blue grain, on the other hand, is not suitable as fertilizer. It is only used in exceptional cases when the plants need nutrients quickly. Otherwise you shouldn't use it.
The boxwood is one of the most popular hedge plants.
