Boxwood is hardy
Since box is insensitive to frost, you can leave it in the garden in winter. Only the variegated varieties such as 'Elegantissima' are more sensitive and should only be cultivated in places with mild winter conditions and provided with winter protection in the garden. But whether green or multi-leaved boxwood varieties, you have to pay attention to these points:
- stop fertilizing no later than July
- prune boxwood no later than September
- both stimulate shoot growth, which is bad just before winter
- Boxwood also needs water in winter
- Water regularly in dry and frost-free phases
- Mulch boxwood to keep moisture in the soil
also read
- Hibernate boxwood properly on the balcony - you should pay attention to this
- Boxwood - what goes with it? Suggestions and ideas for garden design
- Boxwood - care, cutting, wintering
By March at the latest, you should cut back the box on a frost-free day with a cloudy sky and then fertilize it with ripe compost and horn shavings (€ 6.39 at Amazon *) so that the plant can develop strong new shoots.
Boxwood in a pot needs winter protection
Boxwood is hardy, but needs winter protection when cultivated in pots. This is necessary because the small amount of substrate in the planter cannot adequately protect the roots from frost. As a result, the roots freeze and the plant dies. You can overwinter the pot box in a light and cool (maximum 10 ° C) room frost-free, but you can also leave it outside in a frost-proof package:
- Place the pot on an insulating surface, such as a sheet of styrofoam. (€ 25.90 at Amazon *)
- Put it against the wall of a house, do not place it in direct sunlight.
- A partially shaded place or one in the light shade is ideal.
- Wrap the planter with gardening fleece or another suitable material.
- Don't forget to water the boxwood regularly on frost-free days!
Tips
During the spring sprouting, pay particular attention to any frost damage that arises from drought in winter and often only shows up months later. Cut back the frozen shoots, otherwise fungal diseases can nestle.
