Boxwood planting for hedges. How to properly form hedges and borders from boxwood
Evergreen Buxus or it is also called boxwood, many owners of cottages, dachas and especially designers love to use it when landscaping the surrounding area. A boxwood fence is not only original solution, which gives individuality to a private mansion or dacha, but also reliably protects from prying eyes. And successfully located on the site itself, it will become its decoration.
Boxwood and its features
Boxwood is a slow-growing plant with dense, shiny foliage whose shoots can be shaped by pruning, even turning shrubs into works of art. The shoots on the bush are protruding, have a tetrahedral shape, and the leaves are thick and attractive. Boxwood flowers and produces fruits that produce seeds. The seeds are black and resemble apple seeds. They have excellent germination, but form in late autumn and this is what limits the propagation of boxwood by seeds.
Some types of boxwood, which are used to form borders and hedges, grow for 500 years and reach a height of up to 2 ÷ 5 m. But most often, dwarf boxwood is used, with the help of which small-height hedges and borders are formed.
The plant itself is unpretentious to the type of soil, is not afraid of shade, sun and grows well in shaded areas.
Stages of arranging a fence
A hedge can be planted instead of a fence, parallel to the existing fence, both outside and inside private properties. The main stages for arrangement are as follows:
- preparing tools and materials that will be needed during the work process;
- digging a ditch;
- preparing planting holes;
- axlebox landing.
For the manufacture of boxwood hedge With your own efforts, you will need the following tools and materials:
Initially, we mark the area where we plan to plant boxwood. To do this, you will need pegs, which will be installed with a hammer in places where the trajectory of the fence will change. A rope or ribbon is then stretched between the pegs. Then, using a rake and hoe, we clear the layer of soil from turf and dirt under the rope. Next stage– applying a layer of paint using a spray gun. From this line, a ditch will be dug with a small depth of 5 ÷ 10 cm and a width of approximately 0.6 m throughout the entire area where the rope is stretched. Now you need to dig the planting holes. For boxwood there is the following rule:
- the diameter of the hole should be 2 times larger diameter bush coma;
- the depth should be equal to the depth of the lump in the pot;
- the distance between bushes is usually 0.3 ÷ 0.45 m.
Only by applying this rule is the roots provided with the necessary space for their rapid engraftment. In addition, a shallow planting depth will ensure that the bush is positioned vertically.
Planting boxwood in holes begins with straightening the roots. For this, scissors will be useful, with the help of which you need to straighten the tangled roots after the bush is removed from the flowerpot or container. Then the bush is lowered into the hole and filled with soil so that there are no air pockets. This is achieved by watering and compacting. The base of the trunk should be level with the ground surface.
The roots are straightened in order to prevent poor rooting and disease of the bush.
Planted bushes must be mulched to a height of approximately 5 cm to avoid root death in the heat, retain moisture and prevent weed growth.
Caring for a boxwood hedge
In order for the hedge to have a well-groomed appearance, it must be trimmed with scissors or a hedge trimmer in the spring and summer (from May to August). This should be done every 6 weeks. When performing this procedure, you must remove obsolete branches. The crown can be formed in any shape - from rectangular to spherical and triangular.
On private property or in a park you can perform original design, highlighting relaxation corners that will not only add a special charm, but will also decorate the area.
Hedges are grown not only to protect the area from prying eyes. Such hedges are a magnificent decoration, seamlessly uniting the garden with the rest of the world.
There are several types of hedges. The tallest fence the area around the perimeter or cover some part of it; medium-height fences separate functional areas, low-growing ones act as borders.
To grow hedge, no need to buy a large number of plants - you can propagate them yourself using cuttings or layering. This, of course, will take about two years more time, but, firstly, you will save a very decent amount, and secondly, you will be proud of the fence you created from scratch. Most often, hedges are grown from evergreens - juniper, boxwood, privet.
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Juniper - coniferous grape
Evergreen juniper – amazing plant. This descendant of cypress trees has taken root in the northern hemisphere and feels great. Many call it coniferous grapes - for the black berries with a bluish bloom, which some bushes are strewn with in the fall.
For high hedges It is better to buy or propagate Virginian juniper or Chinese juniper - plants of these varieties grow into beautiful, compact, rather tall trees, shaped like candles. For low hedges, it is better to choose spreading and low Cossack juniper or Gold juniper.
Withdrawn today dwarf varieties junipers, which look very organic in borders.
Juniper reproduces well spring cuttings. At the end of April, you need to cut small shoots, about 10-12 cm long, from the bush, put them in a solution for root formation for a day (for example, “Kornevin”, “Kornerost”, “Radifarm”, etc.), then plant them in pots or boxes and place them in the garden, in partial shade from trees or shrubs. Water sparingly as needed. After about 1.5 months, it will be possible to plant the rooted cuttings in open ground. Of course, right away permanent place It’s better not to send kids. Determine for them a place protected from the wind and scorching sun where they will grow until they turn into developed bushes (this may take 2-3 years). With the onset of the first night frosts, young plants need to be insulated (for example, with dry leaves).
While the bushes are small, twice a year (in spring and autumn) you need to do “cosmetic” pruning so that the plants produce new shoots and become thicker.
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Boxwood - an evergreen hedge classic
Boxwood is an excellent living material for hedges. It has dense, glossy foliage, and there are so many shoots that you only have time to prune. And at the same time there are even more of them! For creative individuals, boxwood is simply an ideal plant for creating “green figures” of varying complexity. It is said that the art of topiary (curly cutting of plants) developed mainly thanks to boxwood. In any case, it is difficult to find other contenders for leadership in topiary that keep their shape so well.
Trimming boxwood hedges is a most exciting activity. A solid evergreen wall is already original in itself, but if green forms stand out in a slender row of plants, the admiration of others will be guaranteed.
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Tall boxwoods reach a height of 2 m, low-growing varieties(border) rise above the ground no more than 20-25 cm. If the task is to grow a hedge higher and faster, a conical shape is best - in this case, the branches of the plant will receive maximum sunlight.
Boxwood can be propagated not only by cuttings, but also by layering. To do this, you just need to bend the lower branches of the plant and sprinkle them with soil (or secure them to the surface of the soil with large wire “pins”). After some time, these shoots will sprout roots that will give birth to new plants (by the way, thujas, which are often used for hedges, can be propagated in the same way).
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Bushes need to be prepared for winter, especially young ones. The point is not that boxwood can freeze (although this is possible). Evergreens evaporate moisture even in winter, and since boxwoods have many leaves, they give off a lot of moisture. Therefore, before the onset of cold weather, the plantings need to be well watered and mulched tightly with a thick layer of sawdust, dry leaves, peat, etc. If the frosts are severe and the plants are young, the insulation needs to be increased. Perfect option- throw lutrasil on the bushes. But tall plants you can simply insulate the “legs” better by adding sawdust or peat.
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Evergreen privet is a worthy analogue of boxwood
Privet is often compared to boxwood - they are very similar in appearance. Of course, in terms of use in hedges, both plants have their advantages. The main advantage of privet is that it grows much faster than boxwood.
As soon as this plant is not propagated! Seeds, summer (green) and woody cuttings, shoots coming from the roots, layering... The easiest way of propagation is with the help of summer cuttings. To do this, cut off the apical shoots about 10 cm long and plant them under a jar. It must be admitted that this plant is extremely tenacious: it is rare that a cutting will not produce tenacious roots. Next year you can begin to form a hedge: in the spring, plant the plants in a trench (at a distance of at least 50-60 cm from each other), and do the first pruning in the fall. It will take another 3-4 years before the young bushes grow into a luxurious hedge, and all this time in spring and autumn its shoots need to be shortened by 1/2 the length. This may seem like a lot, but the more you cut the privet, the thicker it becomes.
The most commonly used privet in hedges is the common evergreen privet. True, the definition of “evergreen” in some cases is purely conditional: there are privets with dark green leaves, but there are also those with reddish, bluish, and also “golden” leaves of extraordinary beauty. If you alternate varieties that differ in color, you can create a very impressive hedge.
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And many others…
There are an incredible number of hedge options. Of course, evergreens are beyond competition, but deciduous and, especially, beautifully flowering ones - own pride" – decorative leaves unusual shapes and colors, luxurious flowers. Winter makes up only ¼ of the year, and in early spring Greenery is already blooming on such hedges. Fences made from honeysuckle (common and Tatarian), golden currant, hawthorn, rose hips, cotoneaster, barberry, spirea, and mahonia look original.
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Visually, a hedge can be supported by planting 1-2 plants of the same species or creating contrast nearby. Imagine, for example, a composition of a boxwood hedge and several topiary “balls” located on the lawn. Or a golden currant bush against the background of a continuous small-leaved “wall” of privet.
A hedge is a springboard for creativity. Or, if you like, co-creation, in which nature itself is the second participant.
How to grow a hedge from boxwood? This plant is unpretentious and can grow in almost any conditions.
The only condition for its successful cultivation is compliance with planting rules. Required compliance with certain conditions (we talked about the features of growing boxwood and the rules for caring for it in).
Drop off time
Seedlings can be planted from March to November. But perfect timing is planting in June-July.
Of course, during these hot and mostly dry months requires abundant watering, but the bush will take root well. This will allow young plants to safely transfer winter frosts(read about how to prepare boxwood for wintering).
Soil composition
Boxwood loves acidic soil. If the acidity in your area is not sufficient, you can increase it by adding peat.
In addition, the bushes will grow well if there is a sufficient amount in the ground magnesium. Its content can be regulated by timely application of mineral fertilizers.
If the soil on the site is dominated by sand, increase its nutritional value by adding humus or chernozem.
For starting rooting it is necessary to add fertilizers to the soil; it is preferable to use compounds with a high nitrogen content.
Landing technique
Seedlings with a good root system are placed in holes or trenches.
Do not bury the plant too deeply; only regrown roots should be in the ground.
After sprinkling the roots, compact the soil around and make a depression. It will subsequently retain water during irrigation.
Watering
To root, boxwood needs sufficient quantity moisture. Therefore it needs to be watered regularly and abundantly.
Conservation of soil moisture
This can be achieved by regularly using mulching. Boxwood roots are small, and under the influence of heat they quickly dry out. Protect from negative consequences Can be covered with a mulch layer of 6-7 centimeters.
It is not advisable to use pine needles or oak sawdust for mulching.
You cannot make a layer that is too thick, as the roots will begin to grow and go deeper into the ground, and this will put them at risk of drying out.
Do not sprinkle the root collar of the plant so as not to block air access to the roots.
Planting patterns to create different shapes
In order for the bush to form the appearance of a hedge, used when landing a cord stretched along a line, fixed with pegs. An interesting technique is to apply spray paint to the turf along the cord line. A trench dug along this line will be perfectly level, and the boxwood hedge will be the same.
Trench prepared by removing turf. The trench width is approximately 60 cm. The depth depends on the root system of the purchased bushes. The roots should sink into the soil to their full height.
Usually the bushes are arranged in one row. But if you need to create a dense and wide hedge, you can make two rows, or plant the plants in a checkerboard pattern.
Distance between instances– 35-45 centimeters.
If you want to create circle border, for landing inside flower arrangements, draw a circle using available tools. Stick a peg into the center of the future circle with a cord or rope tied to it, a length equal to the radius of the future circle.
Tie a can of spray paint to the other end. Draw a circle by pulling the rope evenly and going around the peg. You will get a perfect circle and, by planting boxwood bushes around it, you will get a round flowerbed.
How to form ideal hedges?
Will help you give the desired shape to a living boxwood fence timely formative pruning. If this is not done, the bushes will quickly lose their shape and decorativeness.
When to trim boxwood? Young bushes need pruning several times during the season - in spring, mid-summer, early autumn (you can find out about the rules for caring for boxwood in the fall). From the second year, the procedure is carried out once a year.
Pruning is carried out using garden shears or pruning shears. There are also special professional scissors for trimming bushes. Make sure that the blades of the pruning tools are sharp, otherwise the trimmed ends will become shaggy and lose their beauty.
Trim bushes only when evening hours so that the bright sun does not cause leaf burns.
After trimming Sprinkle the bushes generously with water and fertilizer, as the procedure is stressful for the plant. And this will help him recover quickly.
Trimming side shoots promotes the formation of thick, dense bushes.
To give the borders the correct geometric shape can be used metal mesh, worn over the bushes. All shoots protruding through it must be pruned.
It is also necessary to remove all dried and damaged branches, they give the bushes an unkempt appearance.
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