[Brendankearns]

Morning all,

I have several rows of Box hedging growing in shallow borders (shallow due to the fact they are at the front of my house and we just don't have the depth due to the house being built on a rock), whilst they are growing fine they do have a little browning on the leaves. I do feed them in spring and summer with a fertilizer but just wondering if anyone has tips on keeping them bushy and green. New to this gardening business so all help no matter how basic is much appreciated.

Thanks and Merry Christmas to you all.
Brendan

[Greengage]

Box will grow in most soil except boggy waterlogged soil. Always plant bare rooted plants at the same depth they were lifted at.Water well until established then they can withstand drought.Once the plant is established,box will grow about 6 inches a year under reasonable growing conditions. In deep shade, very poor soil and very exposed sites, the growth rate is lower.
It is best to keep trimming to a minimum until the hedge is close to the desired height. This will enable the plants to put on as much growth as possible. The plants will 'fill out' naturally without being stopped, and the lower branches will eventually touch the ground.

Once the plants are close to the planned height of the hedge, cut the tops back to a few inches below the desired height. This is best done around mid-summer. Then trim to shape in August or September each year.

After a few years the clipped tops can become crowded. This reduces the ventilation around the shoots. So it is a good idea to thin out some of the growing shoots every few years, by cutting out some of the main stems about 6-12 inches below the clipped surface of the hedge. The remaining branches will spread out to cover any gaps, while allowing more light and air into the hedge.
There are a number of types but Buxus sempervirens is best for hedging.
They can have a number of problems so I refer you to the RHS page for more info.http://www.rhs.org.uk/Science/Plant-diseases/Box-problems

[Brendankearns]

Thank you Greenage.