It is very important to sample the soil to determine the level of nutrients and even more importantly to determine the pH. Without the proper pH, boxwood are not able to absorb the nutrients, even if they are abundant in the ground. I have outlined the steps below in taking a sample and sending it to the VA Tech Extension service for analysis. The form that is required can be found at the link below. Be sure to include my […]
There are two optimal times of the year to root English Boxwood. Late February / early March is an excellent time after the major freezes of winter are over and before any new growth comes out in the spring. The other optimal rooting period is late June or early July after the new growth has matured. Our experience of rooting at English Boxwoods of Virginia has shown us that both of these times are equally effective. The timing may be based […]
Plucking, the selected removal of stems from boxwood to facilitate air circulation, light penetration and inner growth of leaves, is an integral part of any preventative maintenance program for boxwood. In addition to fostering the health of the parent plant, plucking provides a source of cuttings for propagation. See “propagation/rooting.” This paper will focus on the process and benefits of plucking. In a preventative maintenance program for boxwood, the plucking or thinning referred to above is a high priority. When carried out […]
