Tips for Growing Fastigiata Boxwood Bushes

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Boxwoods are one of the most popular evergreen shrubs used for landscaping. They add structure, texture, and year-round color to gardens and outdoor living spaces. Fastigiata boxwood bushes, in particular, have a narrow, upright growth habit that makes them ideal for creating hedges, borders, and containers.

In this article, we will provide some essential tips on how to maintain your fastigiata boxwood bushes so they can grow healthy and beautiful.

Boxwood Care

Soil and Water:

Proper soil with adequate drainage is necessary for growing healthy boxwood. Make sure that the soil pH level is between 6.5 to 7.5. Maintain moisture in the topsoil of the plant by watering them regularly.

Fertilizing:

Regular use of balanced fertilizers such as 10-10-10 or 16-8-8 in spring and fall seasons promotes healthy growth. The fertilizer should be spread evenly around the base of the bush and watered well afterward.

Mulching:

Mulching not only protects the roots from extreme weather conditions but also provides an ample amount of nutrients to the plant. Spread about 3 inches of organic mulch like straw, pine needles or grass clippings over the root area, but keeping it away from the trunk. It helps regulate the moisture level in the soil and prevents soil compaction.

Pruning Boxwoods

When to Prune:

It is best to prune the fastigiata boxwood bushes in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. If you wait too long into the growing season, new growth will be pruned.

How to Prune:

Start by removing any dead or damaged branches near the stem's base using sharp pruning shear or lopper. Trim back any unwanted growth at the tips of each branch, taking care not to cut below the greenery if possible. You can also shape your bush to a specific form such as ball or cone shape.

Boxwoods in Containers

Choosing a Container:

Fastigiate boxwood shrubs are popular container plants because of their upright form. Use pots that have drainage holes and are 2-3 inches larger in diameter than the root ball. Choose a container that suits the size and quantity of plants that you will plant in it.

Potting Mix:

Use high-quality potting mix that provides good drainage to prevent waterlogging but retains enough moisture. Incorporating slow-release fertilizers into the soil mix ensures that your plant receives nutrients gradually over time.

Watering and Fertilizing:

Water container grown boxwoods when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Inadequate watering may result in yellowed leaves or leaf drop. Fertilize every two weeks during the summer growing season, use half strength of liquid fertilizer on the soil away from the stem to avoid root burn.

Planting Tips for Boxwoods

Site Selection:

Choose a site that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight with good air circulation. Avoid planting in low-lying areas with lots of standing water, as this can lead to root rot.

Preparing the Soil:

Boxwoods thrive in well-draining soil. Test soil pH and improve drainage by adding organic matter like compost. Till up to 8 inches of soil and incorporate equal parts of sand, humus, and other organic matter.

Planting:

Dig a hole that’s twice as big as the plant’s root ball. Set the plant inside, adjust the depth so that the top of the roots is level with the ground. Backfill partially, watering as you do so, to settle the soil in around the roots. After the soil stops sinking, finish filling the hole and create a shallow moat around the perimeter of the hole, fill it with water.

Watering and Mulching:

The first year is critical when planting or transplanting fastigiata boxwood, consistent watering and mulching is needed to keep the roots from drying out. Keep the soil moist but not wet. Apply 3 inches of organic mulch over the root area but keeping it away from the trunk.

Boxwood Pests and Diseases

Boxwoods have been long known to suffer from pests and diseases. Proper care can reduce the likelihood of these problems, but it’s not guaranteed to eliminate them.

Common Pests:

Boxwood leafminer can cause foliage discoloration and loss, while spider mites leave a mottled appearance on leaves. Japanese beetles eat the plant stems and leaves while boxwood psyllids attack the new growth. Neem oil or horticultural oil spray can help control pest populations.

Common Diseases:

Boxwood blight, root rot and Phytophthora canker are among the most common fungal and bacterial diseases that affect fastigiata boxwood. Proper drainage, spacing plants apart, as well as keeping garden tools clean will help prevent fungal spores spreading.

Prevention and Treatment:

Maintain consistent watering practices and avoid overhead watering, as this encourages mold and mildew growth. Prevent excess moisture in the foliage zone by removing weeds regularly, pruning out deadwood, and thinning dense internal foliage. A fungicide application is necessary if diseased plants start showing symptoms.

Fastigiata boxwood bushes are an elegant addition to any garden or landscape. With proper care, pruning, and planting, they can thrive and provide years of beauty and structure.

FAQ

1. Do fastigiata boxwood bushes require full sun or partial shade?

   Fastigiata boxwood bushes love full sun, but they can tolerate partial shade as well.

2. How often should I water my fastigiata boxwood bush?

   Water fastigiata boxwood once a week throughout the summer, less often in the winter.

3. What is the best time of year to plant fastigiata boxwoods?

   The best time to plant fastigiata boxwood bushes is early spring or early fall.

4. Can I use boxwoods as topiary plants?

   Boxwoods are excellent candidates for topiary forms due to their dense foliage and fastigiate form.

5. How do I prevent and treat boxwood leafminer infestations?

   Use a systemic insecticide that contains imidacloprid during the growing season. You should also remove any dislodged eggs from beneath the leaves with a WATER sprayer.

6. Can boxwoods be grown in cold climates?

   Yes, but it is crucial to select a cultivar that can tolerate the cold weather, such as the Korean or Canadian types.

7. Do deer eat boxwood bushes?

   Although boxwoods are not the primary source of food for deer, they may damage or eat them, particularly during the drought season.

8. How do I rejuvenate an old, overgrown boxwood hedge?

   Cut back severely into wood and growth where needed, add slow-release fertilizer or organic matter into soil beds, water regularly, and keep monitoring new growth until it thickens up again.

9. Can I propagate my fastigiata boxwood bush by cuttings?

   Yes, boxwoods can easily propagate through cuttings. However, you need to ensure that there has not been any recent pesticide applications before taking the cuttings.

10. What is the lifespan of a boxwood shrub?

    Boxwood shrubs have a long life span, ranging between 70 to 200 years depending on the specific cultivar and its growing environment.