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Buxus, when to prune?

pokhimpokhim Posts: 210

Probably a million articles on this. I live in London, have planted 6 different buxus, (3 balls and 3 cones). They have new lime green growth on it. When is the best time to trim and prune?

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  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 33,749

    To cut down risk of " box blight" don't prune it when it's raining, but avoid a hot sunny day as this might scorch it.

    Try a nice dry, overcast day, 

    Devon.
  • pokhimpokhim Posts: 210

    Do i prune this time of year though?.. And all the fresh green foliage?

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 33,749

    some like to give them a trim at this time to " crisp them up". Nice sharp edges etc. 

    If you like them looking softer and more natural, leave them. You're the boss.

    As they're clipped into balls and cones, I think I'd trim them. Nothing major, basically just trim off that new growth.

    There is an old saying about clipping box on Derby Day, but London has its own microclimate so things tend to keep growing longer.

    Devon.
  • Hi pokhim

    I've just trimmed mine last week for the second time this year.  I never trim my buxus during the day, always late afternoon after 5 or 6 o'clock as the sun will scorch  the ends of the cuts and they will turn brown.

  • pokhimpokhim Posts: 210

    thanks for your responses! I will trim them one evening this week

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