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General advice about plants


1. How many plants do I need for my hedge?
2. Can I put the plants outside?
3. When is the best time to plant?
4. What compost should I use in containers?
5. How should I feed my plants?
6. How fast does box grow?
7. When and how should I trim my box hedging and topiary?
8. Can I control box blight?
9. How can I prevent or control box tree moth caterpillars?
10. Do the plant height measurements include the pot?
11. What is the best way to match an existing topiary plant?

1. How many plants do I need for my hedge?

For most box garden hedges a spacing of 20cm (8 inches) is suitable. This requires 5 plants per linear metre.

The table below shows the options for planting at different stages of establishment.

DescriptionSize of plantSpacingPlants per m
Low hedge15-20cm tall16cm6
Standard hedge20-40cm tall20cm5
Larger hedge40-70cm tall25cm4
Established hedging70-150cm tall33cm3
Large specimensOver 150cm tall50cm2

Instant hedging is the other alternative. These plants are provided in troughs which are 50cm long. 2 troughs would be needed for 1 linear metre.

2. Can I put the plants outside?

All our plants are hardy (see hardiness ratings on individual plants). Avoid planting if the ground is frozen or waterlogged.

3. When is the best time to plant?

  • Containerised plants can be planted throughout the year, except when the ground is frozen or waterlogged.

  • Bare root plants can be planted from Nov to April, during the dormant season.

  • Rootballed plants can be planted for most of the year. However, they cannot be lifted from the ground during hot dry weather or when the ground is frozen.

  • Traditionally autumn and spring were the optimum planting times, but with the climate change these seasons are shifting. Good ground preparation and maintenance is the most important factor rather than sticking to a strict time to plant.

4. What compost should I use in containers?

A soil plus peat (or peat substitute) compost is best to keep your plant supplied with water and nutrients.

5. How should I feed my plants?

  • Slow release fertiliser can be mixed with the compost when planting, and then worked into the top of the compost each March.

  • Liquid or solid fertiliser should be applied according to the manufactureer's instructions during the growing season, either at regular intervals or as a tonic as and when required.

  • Mulch: Ensure plants remain healthy by adding an organic mulch in spring.

6. How fast does box grow?

Once the plant is established, Buxus sempervirens will grow about 3-6 inches (75-150 mm) a year under reasonable growing conditions. In deep shade, very poor soil and very exposed sites, the growth rate is lower.

Most other species of Buxus grow rather more slowly than Buxus sempervirens.

7. When and how should I trim my box hedging and topiary?

Traditionally, Buxus was trimmed throughout the summer to maintain a tight, neat, clipped appearance. However, we now recommend minimal trimming in late summer when growth has slowed. We have found this reduces the risk of box blight.

Renovation pruning can be carried out in late spring.

8. Can I control box blight?

As with many plant diseases it is possible to manage box blight. Up to date research and information is available on the EBTS website.

9. How can I prevent or control box tree moth caterpillars?

Thanks to research by RHS & European Boxwood & Topiary Society there are effective ways to manage this garden pest.

Further details, including some advice on different control methods you could try, are available on the EBTS website

10. Do the plant height measurements include the pot?

No, all height measurements are from soil level when planted to the top of the plant.

11. What is the best way to match an existing topiary plant?

Send us a photo and measurement of any existing plant. We can then pick the closest fit.






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