Pruning Box (buxus?)

[Maf]

I have two Box bushes in big planters that have never been pruned. They're spherical and about 3foot across... or at least they were until the snow squashed them !

Can i put a frame round them and clip them back ?
Can I cut into old wood ? If so, how old ?

Any pointers much appreciated.

[vicky]

Yes you can clip around a frame and back into old wood. I've seen them grow back from being razed to the ground but I wouldn't reccommend that harsh treatment! Certainly an inch or so from the green growth should be fine. If the plants are old I'd be inclined to be more gentle though
I'd wait for better weather with no risk of frost (may?) then clip them and give them a feed too.
Good luck!

[lynda66]

i have 2 in my garden, they were wild when i got them, judging but the state of them, they hadn't been pruned for years, and had to get the saw out ..... now one is a ball and the other a heart, had to cut loads of old wood off them, not sure if it's correct, but i did my major prune when they were in full growth and i didn't kill them , and they got in shape pretty quick after and are still doing really well 4 years on

no problem with putting a frame round.

[vicky]

Don't give Lynda ideas...That's if she hasn't already done this...

[lynda66]

Don't give Lynda ideas...That's if she hasn't already done this...

i did think about it ..... but went for a heart instead ...... though i may think about turning the round one into a chicken at some point

[Snadger]

And don't forget to root your clippings and make lots more box bushes!

[Maf]

So when is the best time for clipping and cuttings ? Do they coincide ?

[lynda66]

i clipped mine last year and didn't move them, and a few weeks later loads had roots from just laying on the soil

[kentvegplot]

Traditionally you clip box on Derby Day - but that's MONTHS away!

[lynda66]

i was reading one of my new gardening books last night (dontcha love freecycle) and it says don't prune them till may when they have started putting on growth