Hedges are a defining feature in many gardens, providing privacy, shelter, and aesthetic appeal. However, due to their uniformity, they can be vulnerable to pests and diseases. Regular maintenance, careful planting, and timely treatments are key to keeping hedges healthy and looking their best.

Prepare Soil

Garden: Choose a location with well-draining soil. Buxus, a common hedging plant, thrives in neutral to alkaline soil. If your soil is acidic, add lime to raise the pH. Ensure the soil is fertile and well-drained to promote healthy root development.
Pots: Use a good quality potting mix that drains well for potted hedges. A mix of equal parts potting mix, perlite, and compost works well for Buxus and other hedging plants. Ensure the pot has drainage holes.

Feed

Garden: Buxus are ‘gross feeders’, requiring frequent fertilisation to replenish nutrients lost through pruning. Apply a specialised fertiliser like Kiwicare’s Buxus Feed regularly during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
Pots: For potted hedges, use a slow-release fertiliser designed for evergreen plants. A monthly feed of liquid fertiliser, especially during the growing season, will support healthy growth and resistance to disease.

Watering & Mulching

Watering: Ensure your hedges receive consistent water, especially during dry periods. Newly planted Buxus need frequent watering for the first year to establish strong roots. Potted Buxus will need watering more frequently, particularly in warm weather.
Mulching: Apply a mulch layer around your hedges' base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch away from the plant’s trunk to prevent rot.

Protection

Disease Control: Buxus can be susceptible to Buxus blight, which causes die-back and browning of leaves. If you notice any signs of disease, treat your plants with Kiwicare’s Buxus Blight Buster, which helps control and prevent blight.
Pests: Look for insect pests, such as scale, that can affect Buxus. Regularly inspect your plants and treat any infestations promptly with appropriate plant health products.

Trimming:

While you don’t harvest anything from hedges like Buxus, regular trimming is essential for maintaining their shape. Trim Buxus hedges after planting to encourage bushy growth and continue trimming as needed to keep the hedge neat and dense.

Garden Expert Tip

To prevent the spread of Buxus blight, choose disease-resistant varieties when planting your hedge. Spacing plants appropriately ensures good air circulation between them. Leaf litter and debris, which can harbour pests and diseases, should also be cleared away regularly.