Establishing a box hedge

Last spring I planted buxus at about 15-20cm centres to form a traditional hedge around my borders.

Year 1 saw little growth which is understandable. This month however imidst the warm weather the little plants have taken on a lot of new growth.

Will pruning monthly encourage even more growth? (I pruned a few weeks ago.) I notice a lot of online articles just mention may and August.

Any tips to getting the hedge to knit together quicker? I used a buxus feed a few weeks ago which I feel worked a treat!

 

Hi Kriss,

Leave them grow for now rather than trim. Trimming will halt the growth straight away.

Get some nice plant food for them and they will move along quickly.

It can take up to 5 years to get a nice box hedge.

Thanks

 

One more tip, I added bark around the base of my plants to keep the moisture in the soil. Will send you a pic tomorrow. It has really helped this year.

 

With box blight a real threat now i wouldnt prune till end of the year or do it when the weather forecasters are predicting a very long dry spell.

I water from below,prune late on,use a homemade spray to prevent new blight attacks.

 

Thanks! I’ve been giving them a good soak every 2nd or 3rd night, you you say avoid the plants and aim for the ground? Is that true of most of my garden? No need to get the leaves wet?