Abelia
Abelia is an attractive arching 2 - 3 m shrub with small leaves and white to pink bell-shaped flowers during summer and autumn.
Considered to be one of the best hedging plants, the compact habit and attractive bright green, glossy foliage of the Japanese Box (Buxus microphylla var. japonica) make it a perfect choice for topiary work, low hedges and accent plants in formal gardens. Extremely adaptable to all climates and soil types, it is regarded as a quicker growing variety of the buxus family.
How to grow japanese box in your garden
- Choose a sunny or part shade spot with well drained soil. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. In areas with heavy or clay soil, to help improve soil structure and drainage, add gypsum and mix in well.
- Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.
- Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Form a raised or doughnut shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.
- Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, sugarcane or pea straw, keeping it away from the trunk.
- Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.
- Feed in autumn and spring with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser, or for a low-odour alternative: Yates Thrive All Purpose Liquid Plant Food. Fertilise every 2 weeks to promote healthy foliage growth and strong root development.
How to grow japanese box in a pot
- Choose a pot at least 500mm wide and deep. Position in full sun.
- Fill a pot with Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.
- Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.
- Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well afterwards.
- After the initial water, water the plants regularly allowing the plants to dry out slightly until the next watering.
- Feed in autumn and spring with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser, or for a low-odour alternative: Yates Thrive All Purpose Liquid Plant Food. Fertilise every 2 weeks to promote healthy foliage growth and strong root development.
Growing tips
- Begin pruning when the plant is young to maintain a dense foliage cover.
- Pruning/shaping may need to be undertaken several times during the growing season.
- Plant new plants at least 30cm apart.
Abies
Abies, also known as Fir Trees, are tall evergreen conifers.
Abutilon
Abutilon, also known as Chinese Lanterns due to the shape of their flowers, are attractive shrubs mostly growing to 1 - 2 m tall.
Acer
Acer's or Hapanese Maples are attractive trees with stunning autumn foliage for cold & temperate climates.
Yates Thrive All Purpose Liquid Plant Food
A fast acting, liquid fertiliser ideal for feeding a wide range of ornamental flowers, shrubs and trees, as well as vegies and herbs.
Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser
Create organic nutrient rich soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter for better root growth, stronger plants and more flowers and fruit.
Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter
A high quality all purpose organic-based potting mix suitable for most indoor and outdoor potted plants.
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