![\"Round-cut](\"https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Round-cut-box-plant.jpg\")
A box plant is an evergreen bush that belongs to the Buxaceae family. It\u2019s popular in gardens across the planet due to its dense branch networks, small, leathery leaves, and ability to hold shape for a decent time period. <\/p>
Box hedges are probably one of the more satisfying hedges to trim and carve, giving your garden a noble touch with bushes cut into a range of shapes, including:<\/p>
- Spheres<\/li>\n\n
- Pyramids<\/li>\n\n
- Boxes<\/li>\n\n
- Animals <\/li>\n\n
- Machines<\/li><\/ul>
In fact, it\u2019s possible to transform a box hedge into literally any shape \u2014 your imagination is literally the limit! <\/p>
The needs of the box plant<\/h2>
![\"Box](\"https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Box-plants-in-various-shapes.jpg\")
Box hedges in various shapes – Image by JamesDeMers<\/a> from Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Box plants are hardy and versatile \u2014 happy in sandy, well-drained clay soil and full sun or partial shade. <\/p>
The plant\u2019s slow growth makes it a boon for those of us who would rather not spend every couple of months pruning and a bonus for the more creative among us who enjoy nothing more than shaping our box hedges into interesting shapes. <\/p>
Types of box hedge<\/h2>
There are several Buxaceae varieties, including:<\/p>
- Common box plant (Buxus sempervirens)<\/li>\n\n
- Small-leaved box plant (Buxus microphylla)<\/li>\n\n
- Japanese box plant (Buxus japonica)<\/li><\/ul>
Cutting a box plant \u2014 more than just art?<\/h2>
Regular pruning keeps your box plant healthy and in good shape. But there are several reasons why pruning your buxus is an essential garden task:<\/p>
- Maintains the desired shape and design<\/strong><\/li>\n\n
- Removes old, dead, and potentially diseased wood <\/strong>from the plant<\/li>\n\n
- Better air circulation <\/strong>minimises the potential for pests and diseases<\/strong><\/li>\n\n
- Prevents the plant from growing too big<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>
Topiary vs Trimming \u2014 when to cut box plants<\/h2>
![\"Close](\"https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Box-hedge-close-up.jpg\")
Always wear gloves when cutting box – there are thorns!<\/figcaption><\/figure> There\u2019s a clear distinction between an annual trim and a shaping:<\/p>
Topiary<\/h3>
Topiary is the art of shaping plants into interesting and fantastical shapes. This means you’ll cut some areas deeply while trimming others minutely. For best results, you should prune twice a year. <\/p>
Spring pruning<\/h4>
Complete the spring pruning<\/strong> before growth starts for the year once the threat of frost has passed. This pruning helps rid the plant of dead and damaged wood and foliage, which is excellent preparation for shaping.<\/p>
This is an excellent time to check your plant’s condition after the winter. You may need to fertilise the plant after pruning, especially if the leaves are looking a little weak and pale. <\/p>
Late summer\/autumn pruning<\/h4>
Your box plant\u2019s principal growth period is over by the end of August\/September, so this is a good time for reshaping, which helps regulate over-winter growth. The second pruning prepares the plant for the change in the weather, setting it up to bear the wet and frosty winter months. <\/p>
Of course, you can never quite rely on the UK’s weather, and there’s as likely to be a mini-heatwave in October as rain in July! So, avoid hot weather or direct sunlight for pruning, which can burn and stress the plant. <\/p>
A cool, cloudy day is ideal. Or what for the late afternoon if there are unseasonally high temperatures? <\/p>
Trimming<\/h3>
While box plants grow relatively slowly, you may need to trim every four weeks to maintain complex shapes. <\/p>
However, make sure these interim trims are <\/em>trims \u2014 not scalpings! Over-pruning will weaken the plant, making it susceptible to pests and disease.<\/p>
\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tGarden doctor Louis says:\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTrimming your box plant every four weeks gives the plant a chance to recover between trims. Just make sure you don\u2019t over-cut!\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>Do you have other hedges or plants in your garden ready for a trim? Check out our expert pruning articles<\/a>. <\/p>
The correct pruning tools for box plants!<\/h2>
You\u2019ll get the best results when using the right tools. <\/p>
So, I recommend using the following:<\/p>
- Secateurs <\/strong>\u2014 ideal for trimming thinner branches, long shoots, and making precise cuts for topiary.<\/li>\n\n
- Hedge trimmer<\/strong> \u2014 perfect for more extreme shaping<\/li>\n\n
- Hand saw<\/strong> \u2014 offering the safest way to remove thick or hard branches <\/li>\n\n
- Gloves<\/strong> \u2014 to protect your hands against sharp branches, which can easily cut your hands<\/li><\/ul>
But, perhaps, the most important tool of them all for the expert topiarist is the sharpening tool. Never use blunt tools to cut into your plants \u2014 the blunt edge tears the plant rather than slices, leaving a larger wound, which is much more prone to infection. <\/p>
Use a tool, such as a grindstone, to sharpen the blades of your cutting tools, and remember to clean the blades thoroughly before and after each pruning. <\/p>
\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tGarden doctor Louis says:\u00a0:\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tProtect yourself while pruning. Wear protective gloves, eye protection, and long sleeves!\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>A step-by-step guide to guide to topiary cutting<\/h2>
These steps will help ensure an outstanding result that won’t stress the plant:<\/p>
- Sharpen, clean, and dry your tools, especially the cutting tools. <\/li>\n\n
- Spread a tarp underneath the plants, around the base, to catch the cuttings. It makes it easier to tidy up afterwards. <\/li>\n\n
- Thin out the dead, diseased, thin, and weak branches down to the next healthy shoot or stem. <\/li>\n\n
- Remove unwanted thick branches.<\/li>\n\n
- Use string or a folding rule as a stencil for your desired shape. And cut gradually, avoiding big cuts when shaping the plant. Remember, you can always cut shorter \u2014 you can\u2019t elongate a short branch! <\/li>\n\n
- Go slow, and keep standing back to assess your work as you go. Don\u2019t be tempted to over-cut \u2014 be conservative with each cut \u2014 standing back to take in the bigger picture. <\/li>\n\n
- Remove the tarp and collect any excess waste. <\/li>\n\n
- Fertilise and water the plant. Give it plenty of water (but avoid waterlogging the soil). Box plants like well-drained soil. <\/li><\/ol>\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tTip\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tBox plants grow very slowly. So, take your time with your trimming. Shape slowly so you don\u2019t create holes in your design \u2014 they\u2019ll take a long time to close up.\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>
Box plant pruning aftercare<\/h2>
![\"Close](\"https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Mulch.jpg\")
Mulch<\/figcaption><\/figure> Keeping your plant healthy is the best way to help maintain its growth and shape. So, follow these aftercare tips for excellently healthy box plants:<\/p>
- Water regularly<\/strong>, especially after trimming and cutting. <\/li>\n\n
- Ensure the soil drains well<\/strong>. If you have clay soil, you may need to dig in a soil improver to help prevent root rot and water-logging. <\/li>\n\n
- Fertilise <\/strong>with a good quality product at least once a year \u2014 twice ideally. Use a slow-release formula to prevent shocking the roots. <\/li>\n\n
- Add 5-10cm of mulch <\/strong>around the plant\u2019s base. This reduces weeds and protects the roots from extreme temperatures. <\/li>\n\n
- Check for pests and diseases <\/strong>regularly. Common culprits are box plant border, fungal infections, and powdery mildew. <\/li><\/ul>
Dispose of box plant cuttings wisely!<\/h2>
Box plant cuttings are poisonous, so use local council green bins to dispose of the cuttings. Chop the waste into small sections, and mix it with other organic waste, such as leaves, garden, and kitchen waste. <\/p>
However, you can also compost box cuttings \u2014 but don\u2019t use the compost on fruit and vegetable beds.<\/p>
Common mistakes to avoid when trimming box hedges<\/h2>
Box plants are relatively straightforward plants to maintain. However, there are some common mistakes to avoid, which can affect the plant\u2019s vitality. These include:<\/p>
Excessive pruning \u2014 this causes stress and stunts your plant\u2019s growth. Make regular, light cuts every four weeks to maintain your desired shape. <\/p>
Pruning in hot temperatures \u2014 this causes burns on cut sites and puts the plant under stress. Choose a slightly cloud, cool day instead. <\/p>
Use dirty or blunt tools \u2014 if you want to infect your plant with diseases, use dirty tools. Always use clean, sharp cutting tools to maintain the plant’s health, ensuring a precise, small cut. <\/p>
Pruning at the wrong time \u2014 avoid pruning during the winter, when the plant is dormant. <\/p>
FAQs<\/h2>
How do I prune a box plant correctly?<\/strong>Always use clean, sharp tools, and make minor cuts \u2014 always standing back after each cut to assess progress. Avoid extreme cuts, as box plants grow slowly, and it will take up to a year or more for ill-judged cuts to re-grown.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div>
When can you radically prune a box plant?<\/strong>This isn\u2019t recommended. Cutting a box plant too harshly results in shock, which weakens the plant, making it susceptible to diseases (and pests). Trim gradually, leaving at least four weeks in between each cutting.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div>
What\u2019s the best weather for pruning a box plant?<\/strong>Never prune in high temperatures or full sun. This will dry out the plant. Choose a cloudy day when the temperature is cooler for excellent results every time.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>
Ready to get started?<\/h4>
I hope I’ve provided all the information you’ll need for successful box plant pruning. But if you have questions, don’t hesitate to email us<\/a>.<\/p>
- Ensure the soil drains well<\/strong>. If you have clay soil, you may need to dig in a soil improver to help prevent root rot and water-logging. <\/li>\n\n
- Water regularly<\/strong>, especially after trimming and cutting. <\/li>\n\n
- Hedge trimmer<\/strong> \u2014 perfect for more extreme shaping<\/li>\n\n
- Removes old, dead, and potentially diseased wood <\/strong>from the plant<\/li>\n\n
- Maintains the desired shape and design<\/strong><\/li>\n\n