Maintaining Topiary Boxwood Part 1

Insights from Brent Bailey at St George Boxwood Nursery

Cultivating Healthy Buxus in Containers:

With over three decades of experience, our dedication to quality growth has led us to share essential insights for nurturing vibrant and healthy plants.

At our nursery, each Buxus plant is carefully nurtured in either 130L, 80L, or 50L pots, ensuring optimal growth conditions. The journey begins with the selection of top-notch potting mix—a crucial foundation for healthy plant development. We prioritise quality, procuring the finest potting mix from Intelligro, understanding that investing in superior soil yields rewarding results.

Upon planting, attention to detail is paramount. Ensuring the plant is not buried too deep within the pot is crucial for its well-being. To bolster growth, we supplement our Buxus with fertilisers. Our choice, Triabon, sourced from Canterbury Landscape Supplies, acts as a slow-release fertiliser, providing essential nutrients for sustained plant health.

For those unable to access Triabon, a suitable alternative is Osmocote, offering similar benefits. Additionally, over the past few years, we've witnessed exceptional outcomes by incorporating EM™ Soil & Crop, a product from EM New Zealand. Applied monthly throughout the season, this solution, obtained in 120-litre containers, has notably reduced instances of mealybugs, scale, and Cylid—common issues impacting Buxus plants.

While these are fundamental practices to kickstart your journey with Buxus, stay tuned for Part 2 and Part 3. We'll delve deeper into managing, and exploring various aspects of caring for Buxus plants. We’re here to help you grow healthy, stunning Boxwood topiary. It’s our passion.