What Mulches Are for Boxwoods?

Mulch Material

• All boxwoods are shallow-rooted plants and benefit from mulch. This is especially important until young plants are well-established. The North Carolina State University Extension recommends applying a 2- to 4-inch-deep layer of organic mulch such as pine bark or pine straw. The mulch should extend at least 1 foot beyond the plant canopy. Other good mulch materials include bark mulch, pine needles or wood chips.

Advantages of Mulch

• The shallow roots of boxwoods affect plant growth, especially in hot and dry soil. Mulch helps to preserve soil moisture by reducing evaporation of water from the soil and keeping the root area cooler. A good-quality, clean mulch also helps to keep weeds in control and increases the aesthetic value of the planting site.

Maintaining Mulch

• The initial layer of mulch will gradually reduce as the organic material slowly decomposes in the soil. The mulch, therefore, has to be replenished on at least an annual basis. Avoid using a very thick layer of mulch as this encourages the roots to start developing in the uppermost layers of the soil. This in turn makes plants more prone to drying during sudden periods of drought. Do not use plastic sheeting on the ground before applying the mulch around boxwoods.

Soil

• The soil in which the boxwood is planted is just as important as mulch for healthy plant growth. Use only well-drained soils for growing boxwoods. Avoid planting in poorly drained sites, near downspouts or under the dripline of trees. The plants adapt well to slight acidity or alkalinity in soil with a preferred pH of 6.5 to 7.0. Conducting a soil test prior to planting tells you exactly what is required in the soil such as lime, sulfur or fertilizer.