Traditionally, topiary balls are grown from Box plants (Buxus sempervirens) which gives them a neat and formal appearance. Topiary Balls look stunning planted into containers, standing proudly at an entrance or doorway, planted en masse or even combined with softer plants, such as grasses and perennials, to add a contrast in texture. Following our advice on the treatment, control and prevention of Volutella blight, proper pruning and thinning is the most effective way to manage this disease. Thinning the plant helps to increase air circulation helping the leaves to dry out so they are not constantly moist. Phytophtora Root Rot What is it? Box takes its nutrients from the soil in which it grows, so ensuring that the soil is healthy is the foundation of any good feeding regime. Extensive populationscan be treated with an insecticide. Thorough spray coverage is required if control is to be achieved As part of our research, the RHS would like to know where box tree moth has been seen. Please submit your records via our box tree moth survey (expected time to complete survey = two minutes).

We advising managing box tree caterpillar using the information above as your first course of action. It also creates something of a barrier between the lowest leaves on your box and the soil, which may help to reduce the spread of problems like blight.Seaweed Bio-Stimulant - Seaweed Bio-Stimulant is ideal for application as an aftercare product for your plants. This plant feed works particularly well in conjunction with Rootgrow as the liquid seaweed can speed up the mycorrhizal colonisation by up to 60%.

Which Products Should I Use for My Plants?A common question asked by our customers is which plant feeds or fertilisers they should use around their garden. Below is some useful information from our experts. Box Rust is a very mild condition where some foliage can be affected by a rust coloured blister. However, there is no long-term damage associated with Box rust; treatment consists of simply trimming the affected foliage away. Still Worried About Box Hedge Problems? In addition to this annual mulching, it is also a good idea to add more organic matter around your box whenever it is pruned or when work due to illness or pests has been undertaken.

Westland Gro-Sure Farmyard Manure 50L

The soil should also let the plants absorb nutrients easily and be free-draining so that the plant’s roots aren’t sitting in moist soil for too long. Do two important jobs at the same time with this super helpful new plant product. Buxus 2 in 1 Feed & Protect is specially designed to strengthen plants and shrubs from within, working hard to nourish and hydrate as well as protect foliage and encourage superior flowering. Once this is done remove all the cuttings and then carefully remove as much debris as possible from under and around the plants. This not only removes as much infected material as possible but also allows more air to the centre of the plants. Direction for Use:Westland's Buxus 2 in 1 Feed & Protect can be used every 7-14 days from early spring to the end of summer. When using this product, remember no to mix the contents of the 2 bottles directly together without diluting each with water first.

Rootgrow Mycorrhizal Fungi - Rootgrow Mycorrhizal Fungi is ideal for application during planting, and we advise using it for all planting projects. This product ensures a well-established root system, better drought tolerance, healthier plant growth and superior establishment. We consider this a must, as do the Royal Horticulture Society. Unfortunately, this shrub can be prone to a number of pest and disease issues, so it is important to make sure that box is kept in good condition, as healthy plants are able to better withstand any issues that come their way. Mulch also helps conserve soil moisture in dry conditions and can suppress weed growth to a degree.Bonemeal Root Builder - Bonemeal Root Builder is ideal for application during planting and aftercare. This is an organic product with slow release fertiliser that can be used as an alternative to Rootgrow for budget planting, or as a top-dressing during spring. The mixed nematode biological control sold as Fruit and Vegetable Protection has some effect on the caterpillars Before planting box in your garden, it is important to make sure you have amended the soil with plenty of organic matter to improve drainage and soil structure. Gardeners are likely to become aware of box tree caterpillar when they notice defoliation or find webbing and caterpillars on box plants. Westland 2 in 1 Buxus Feed and Protect - 2 x 500mlBox (Buxus sempervirens) is an extremely popular species, perfect for low formal hedging or stylish topiary. It can however be prone to box blight, a disease that turns the leaves brown and eventually can result in bare patches in the foliage.