Pruning tips for boxwood

The small-leaf boxwood is a member of the Buxaceae family, an evergreen shrub or small tree . It has lush, fresh branches and leaves, and is an excellent material for bonsai making. However, if you want the small-leaf boxwood to grow well, you need to do a good job of pruning. Let’s learn about the pruning techniques of small-leaf boxwood below.

1. Pruning time

Pruning of boxwood is best done during the growing season, generally in spring or autumn. The pruning methods and principles for branches will vary in different seasons. Spring pruning is mainly to promote the growth of new branches and maintain the beautiful shape of the plant; while autumn pruning is mainly to prevent the branches from growing too long and to avoid damage to the boxwood caused by severe weather such as winter wind and snow.

2. Trimming area

Before pruning, you should first determine which parts need to be pruned, such as dead branches, branches with diseases and insect pests, branches that grow crosswise, and branches that affect the overall shape. For normally growing branches, the principle of "retaining the main trunk and pruning the side branches" should be followed to ensure the balance and stability of the entire plant.

3. Trimming tools

Generally speaking, the branches of small-leaf boxwood are relatively thin, and pruning tasks can be completed using scissors or pruning shears. At the same time, pay attention to the sharpness of the tool to avoid damaging the tissue structure on the surface of the plant.

4. Pruning order

When pruning small-leaf boxwood, you should proceed from bottom to top and from inside to outside, first pruning the bottom branches and leaves, then the middle and upper branches and leaves. By following this order, it can be ensured that the pruned boxwood has a more graceful posture and good air permeability.

5. Notes

It is best to choose a sunny day for the boxwood bonsai, and avoid rainy weather, which will affect the healing of the plant's wounds. When pruning, you need to shape it first and then prune it, so that it is easier to cut out a beautiful shape. The best pruning angle is 60°, which is conducive to the recovery of branch wounds. The trimming should be as symmetrical as possible. If there is any crookedness, it should be adjusted in time, otherwise it will affect the appearance.

That’s it