Buxus balearica

Spring - late · Outdoors

Feed with slow release fertiliser

Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)

This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water to keep the soil moist

For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.

Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.

Spring-Autumn · Planting

Control box tree caterpillar

Consider alternatives to Box when planting in an "at risk" area. Pick caterpillars off by hand; use pheromone traps, treat with suitable insecticide, thoroughly spraying the plant (organic/short acting pesticides may require several applications).

Planting

Prune lightly after flowering

Give the plant a light haircut, generally tidying it up and removing any shoots that are wayward or damaged in any way. Dead flowers can be cut off if this is practical - the shrub may have too many, or they may be hard to reach.

Outdoor planting · Planting

Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole

Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.

Hedges · Planting

Suitable for shallow chalk soils

Recommended as one of the best hedges to grow where the soil is shallow and over chalk.

Hedges · Planting

Hazardous to animals

Don't plant this hedge on a boundary, or any position where it could be eaten by animals grazing in meadows, or otherwise left its vicinity. Some parts of the plant are poisonous.