Above: English boxwood tamed and topiarized, through judicious pruning. Cutting a hedge into a ball shape can seem a daunting prospect, but I got to grips with this popular topiary project and Im sharing my tips with you! Spray with water to freshen the plant up and put to one side. Did you know that the tradition of making and hanging a kissing ball dates back to the early Middle Ages? "@context": "https://schema.org", A piece of wood marked with the height at which you want to shear, or a piece of string extended between two stakes can keep you on track when creating a uniform shape. Boxwoods from Asia are more resistant to winter cold than those from Europe, (which include both the English boxwood and the American boxwood . A contaminated tool is the first stage when any disease can infect plants, thus taking adequate precautions can prevent the occurrence of any. By: Andrew Sisk. Form the wire into a circle with your hands and pliers. Cut it out into a semi-circle shape and place it from the bottom to the top of the boxwood. That is easy to tell by measuring the container your boxwood comes in or setting it down into your decorative pot. It is perfectly alright if you need to do minor touch-ups later, however, avoid shaping it in the fall as then the cut branches may grow back, and also the shrubs will not heal or recover before the cold of the winter months. The semi-circle should extend from the bottom of the Boxwood ball to its top. Hold the circle next to your bush with the top where you want the top of the ball to be. During that time, people used apples or potatoes as a base to create a ball-shaped decoration we now know as kissing balls. Wait for the new growth to sprout, do a second gentle pruning, and voila! Inspect each of the sections from exterior to interior and snip away all dead, damaged, discolored, and decayed stems. As the seasons pass, your boxwood shrubs will take on the shape of the structure and you will have a unique . Its possible that your Box doesnt look as good if a lot of foliage has been pruned off. Standing to one side of the plant, look down the opposite face of the cone, this will enable you to cut an even shape. This is it! as you wouldnt have to wade through layers of foliage. Genus: GriseliniaMost Laurel Hedge Plant Guide (Your Questions Answered). But even when theyre big enough, you cant just stroll down the garden with your shears and cut them to any shape you like. You can remove them with the help of loppers where the growth is thick and trim them close with the help of hand pruners. This year's growth that will need trimming is thin and wispy - but on close inspection, the thicker basic structure of the plant will be more visible. Maintaining Boxwood Shape. Boxwood Spiral Topiary - Spiral boxwood topiary is a tall tree that has been trimmed into a continuous . She loves writing about careers for busy families as well as family oriented planning, meals and activities for all ages. Any brown twigs should be removed. Let's find out more about this nifty New Zealand native. In this article, learn how to shape these boxwood additions to beautify your garden and landscape keeping it green all through the year. So, cut out the diameter you would like your bush to be. Weve got a guide to good hedge plants, but when youre tending towards topiary, dense foliage and hardiness are two key factors to look out for box is a natural choice in these areas. The boxwood tree can be a nice addition to a yard or garden. This plant matter is hard to sweep or rake up from the ground afterward. 27 in. Wrap the wire of the floral pick around the object to firmly secure it to the pick. Boxwoods Make Gardens Better. Cutting the boxwood as a ball is one of the most popular variants. The kissing ball is now ready for hanging from a doorway or entrance. $40 at Amazon. Usually, you begin shaping the boxwood with a much smaller plant than the desired ball diameter for later on. This shape allows more leaves to absorb sunlight, which is vital to the plant staying alive. Copyright 2023 Clemson UniversityClemson Cooperative Extension | 103 Barre Hall Clemson, SC 29634864-986-4310 | 1-888-656-9988 (SC residents only) | Contact UsHGIC@clemson.edu, College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences, How to Tell the Difference Between Goldenrod and Ragweed, Centipedegrass Yearly Maintenance Program. Barbara H. Smith, 2019 HGIC, Clemson University. 24'' height 16'' width potted artificial boxwood pruning ball tree Gadout artificial boxwood trimming ball tree are your perfect choice . Thinning cuts are those cuts that are placed at the spot where the branches join the main trunk. This solid wire frame is the best way to keep Your boxwood in perfect ball shape. How to prune a Green Mountain boxwood in a container to maintain its conical form An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Stretch a measuring tape on each side of the circle from the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock position to the ground. } This can help deter root rot from developing. Most natural look and feel; Most friendly material, no odor; Perfect for porches and gardens; Remains vibrant in the sun, rain and snow; No cutting and watering required, no time spent caring for it Shaping a plant into a ball or cube is all about practising your skills and if ever there was a time to take time, nows the time to take the time. These can make your job easier as you can tackle the inner layers of the bush hassle-free. This will prevent putting the plant at risk of developing bacterial and fungal diseases. Plantophiles.com is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to affiliates. Tie around garden stakes to make a boundary in the shape and dimensions you desire. The sprigs should be even in length, about 3-5 inches, to create a consistently round shape when finished. A good idea would be to have a soccer ball or other round ball on the table next to you. Now comes the fun part. The weather will have a big impact here, as will your personal preference. The most important step to begin with while trimming boxwoods is removing dead, decayed, or diseased sections of the foliage. Wait until it turns from light to dark green and then you can more aggressively shape your boxwood. As the bush grows and reaches a desired measurement height and width, just snip away the extra and uneven snips. This will make cleanup easier and catch any small branches or leaves that fall on the ground. With the boxwood bush now enclosed in a string grid; it becomes your reference to trim it in the desired shape. Wrap the tip around to the length to form a circle in the approximate size to which you want to trim your bush or shrub. Our guide on. Trim leaves with scissors to groom the topiary (Image 3). Decide the height, width, and length you want your Boxwood hedge to ideally be. Grow it.We believe that your outdoor space is your personal retreat, a quiet place to relax with friends and family and to enjoy the beauty of nature. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer. 4. The diameter of the semi-circle you cut out of the carton will be the same as the diameter of your Box bush. Now. But heavy pruning in late summer or early fall won't allow time for the new limbs to harden before the colder temperatures arrive. Gardening with these plants can be an adventure because they are well suited to being trimmed. While there is a definite difference in scale, and you will undoubtedly need to upgrade your equipment to include ladders, loppers and powered hedge trimmers, the fundamental principles of taking your time, refining the shape, and getting the perspective to check your progress are universal. She holds a Bachelor's Degree with a major in Management and a double minor in accounting and computer science. Prune the boxwoods around your homes and gardens back into the desired form to match your preferred aesthetics. It enables the plant to grow in the right shape. ! You can shape the shrub in a round shape in a similar fashion using a cardboard Sheet. When shaping boxwood it is recommended not to prune over two to three feet of the plant at a time. "mainEntity": [ Once you've achieved the desired shape, you must maintain it. Half of the challenge with basic topiary is about picking the right plant for the job. Fit the bush into the cardboard semicircle and start cutting off the branches that stick out of the circular shape. However, once the bush trimming bug has bitten, you may one day find that you end up with a bunch of leafy critters in your garden. Always seep the trimmer from down to up. Get started before the growth is too much to handle or the weather outside becomes way too cold. So, Winter pruning is also not recommended because it exposes the core of the plant to cold winds and frost. Boxwood roots are very aggressive and can quickly take over an entire garden bed if left unchecked. For hedges, space the plants out consistently so they grow together. It will be harder to see imperfections until new growth comes in, and then it's harder to deal with it. In the same way, move your trimmer to get the desired width, taking care you avoid moving it in the opposite direction of growth as this could have an impact on the shrubs to produce fresh foliage. . Boxwood Cone Topiary - Boxwood cone topiaries are trees trimmed in the shape of an upside down ice cream cone. In a formal setting or a casual situation, boxwood is always up for the task thanks to its versatility. Thinning cuts are when you cut branches right from where it joins the main trunk. Check for roots every few days by tugging on the cutting. Set out your tools in advance so that they will be handy when you need them. Theres no shame in using topiary frames to help you get the right shape. Dense outer foliage on Boxes stops much-needed light and air to reach the inside of the plant. The most critical time to trim is late winter or early spring. Place garden stakes on each of the corners of the proposed square shape and tie a light garden twine around to outline. The outer foliage acts as a protective layer for the plant. Remove dead or diseased foliage first. Lay center of ribbons over the bare spot on the foam sphere. Clean up the area and your tools and then give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done! You can also lightly shape or do touch-ups through mid-July if necessary. Tools for trimming topiary include long-handled shears for cutting rough shapes and hand shears for cutting fine detailed shapes. Pruning is essential not only to keep them in shape but also to promote foliage growth and to keep it disease and pest free. Having a clear idea of the measurements will make your job a lot easier. It should run around the bush, in the exact shape and dimensions you want, which is a square or rectangle shape. The process can be a lot of fun as these boxwoods can typically grow to a height of ten feet and fifteen feet wide with a slow growth rate which makes it easy to shape them. Repeat the same step but this time, place the stakes on the rear and front of the bush. And we've lovingly reproduced the classic Boxwood look, complete with soft, green leaves and shaped it into a timeless Ball Topiary. So, cut out the diameter you would like your bush to be. I enjoy the sight of well formed foliage and enjoy helping you keep your hedges in good shape and your borders in order. She owns her own content marketing agency, Wordsmyth Creative Content Marketing, and she enjoys writing home and DIY articles and blogs for clients in a variety of related industries. Dont let us stop you, however, if you feel that using a frame will help you in the early stages of your topiary journey. Open out the shrubs gently to allow for airflow and circulation, this is why the stakes must be placed. Stretch a measuring tape on each side of the circle from the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock position to the ground . . We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Removing dead, diseased, or damaged foliage should always be the first step when pruning boxwoods. Also, by the time you got the supplies to make three large boxwood balls, you would pay more than just buying them pre-made. Insert the boxwood sprigs into the Styrofoam ball. , well before fall. The sprigs should be placed as close together as possible to create a full shape and to prevent seeing any white from the Styrofoam ball. Avoid planting your boxwoods in overly wet areas, such as near downspouts or where water tends to collect. To find out more about me, visit my About Page. Get tips and tricks how to clever water with GARDENA. What are the Anthurium Roots Above the Soil? Cut and Attach Ribbons. Place thinning cuts on the outer circle of the foliage to enable the shrubs to receive more light and air, which otherwise gets blocked by the ticker outer foliage. The boxwood tree isn't actually a tree, it is considered a shrub. The best time to trim boxwoods used in topiaries is in the spring before new growth begins. Carefully pull some of the boxwood . Step 1. Whenever you shape Boxwoods, try to prune all parts of the shrub. If you're wondering how to prune boxwoods with winter damage, you'll need to leave more outer growth and try to prune away some dead interior branches. The boxwood tree grows between 15 and 20 ft. (4.5 - 6 m) tall and has an open spread. . Wrap the Styrofoam ball with ribbon and pin in place with a fern pin.Barbara H. Smith, 2019 HGIC, Clemson University, On the underside of the Styrofoam ball, pin the ribbon in place to keep it from slipping.Barbara H. Smith, 2019 HGIC, Clemson University. Shaping your shrubs in a square shape requires a strong garden. Use your discretion before making any decisions based on anything you have seen here. Spend more time looking at the plant than actually cutting it. Well cover those in another post one day. Begin with branches that are sticking out or offshoots of the boxwood's desired silhouette. Remember not to overdo it and to stick to just two feet of the foliage. . Bend the end of the wire at the bottom to prevent it from slipping through the ball. This is similar to how you wrap a ribbon around a present. Thus prune carefully, especially if the bush is large and overgrown. This lack of character can make your landscape seem one-dimensional and dull. We grow the healthiest, highest quality plants for you to create outdoor spaces that will thrive for years to come. Gently snip away the foliage outside the boundary to make it come in shape. Using an electric trimmer in the opposite direction, you will dangerously chop into the branches. When. Many thanks for your answer in advance. Once the cardboard sheet is placed and the shrub is within, begin cutting out all that is sticking out of the circular shape. Learning how to shape boxwoods into a ball or other designs can be fun and can make your yard more exciting. Add 6 inches to the measurements and cut two pieces of wire in this size. The kissing ball may be decorated with ribbon, pine cones, berries, contrasting foliage, or other seasonal emblishments. where the growth is thick and trim them close with the help of hand pruners. "@type": "Question", Then, you should take your wire and wrap it around the loop until it is tight enough to hold its shape. Once the cardboard sheet is placed and the shrub is within, begin cutting out all that is sticking out of the circular shape. I used the point of a small knife to make the hole. as these houseplant insects can spread through the foliage in no time. It is easier to start shaping the shrubs as early in their life as possible. Unlike other plants that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, boxwoods are all pretty much the same. Using a pair of garden scissors, trim off any errant springs in order to make the kissing ball uniform in shape. You can remove them with the help of loppers where the growth is thick and trim them close with the help of hand pruners. There may only be a few inches of active development on the outside because the branches are so dense. A short plant will easily get lost in a display. Take care not to make invasive cuts and scrape the foliage gently as it comes into shape. In the era of using artificial decorations for the holidays, why not revive an old tradition and make a boxwood kissing ball to hang in your home? Cut back the young current season's shoots (which are a paler green) when they have reached 8-10cm long. For this tutorial we are making pre-made topiary balls because they are easier and really realistic looking. So cut it out accordingly. "acceptedAnswer": { Make sure you don't cover the branches or leaves with it, or the main stem, just the soil. } "acceptedAnswer": { Cut a piece of baling wire with wire cutters to the size plus 1/2 inch. The most common type of boxwood shrub is the English boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa,' zones 5-8), and you're likely to find this plant at local nurseries and home improvement stores, like Lowe's. Place a pair of stakes on both sides of the bush and drive them into the ground to stand firmly. It is all about getting the feel for working in a living material such as boxwood, so devote a good amount of time to the project and the rewards will last much longer than you realise. make sure that the shrub that you are picking is still a baby one because it would be easier to set sail with this one, as it is fresh and young, it will grow to adhere to the boxwood. To complete simple designs such as ball topiary, you dont need a lot of tools which is another reason why its an ideal project for the beginner topiary artist. Feed the slow-growing bushes with regular doses of Boxwood fertilizer to promote faster foliage growth. When trimming Boxwoods, very thin branches and single leaves fall to the ground. Once you think that you have finished, inspect the plant and pick out any loose twigs or branches. 3. Gently pruning a Boxwood to shape when it is freshly planted will go a long way. Making this decision before you start pruning is always better. 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Just start with a simple topiary ball and cube to learn the craft and take pleasure in their elegant simplicity. How to shape boxwoods is an easy and hassle-free manner if you have the right trimming and pruning tools. Next, you should take your scissors and cut off any excess wire that sticks out of the top . Select a wire animal form for the topiary shape. as the outer circle of the foliage serves as protection for the inner growth against chilly winds and frost. These can make your job easier as you can tackle the inner layers of the bush hassle-free. Flex the wire into a circle and touch the tip of the other wire end into the soldier bead. and not just the readily visible portions as this is crucial to the overall health and beauty of the plant. Reddish, bronze-tinted leaves are a frequent indicator of nitrogen deficiency in boxwood. David Beaulieu. You can trim the hedge outside this boundary using an electric trimmer or pruner. Make the twisted end the bottom of the circle. Round-shaped boxwoods are not impossible, as you must. Remove all dead and diseased sections and keep the interiors of the boxwood hedge debris free. Always trim entire sections, rather than working your way only on areas that are visible on the outside. Step 1. It is perfectly alright if you need to do minor touch-ups later, however, avoid shaping it in the fall as then the cut branches may grow back, and also the shrubs will not heal or recover before the cold of the winter months. Boxwoods root shallowly and should not be planted too deeply - the top eighth of the root ball needs to be set above the soil level. Always sterilize all tools and garden equipment, before you begin the process, with a diluted solution of isopropyl alcohol. Spin it around as you work and make sure that you do not take too much off the height. Shape boxwoods by trimming or shearing with electric hedge clippers or pruning shears. First, measure the height and width of the unpruned bush. To determine the length of the bush place the stakes at the front and rear of the bush and run the string over, exactly the way you did to determine the width. Our plants are nurtured with attention to every detail, to ensure vibrancy and lasting beauty. Your garden at your fingertips: GARDENA smart App. 1. Stand above your plant, and start by cutting the plant into a rough shape using the shears or medium size cutters. Remember not to overdo it and to stick to just two feet of the foliage. Understand the exact height and width you want it to be and using an electric tool you can achieve the desired results. It can grow to almost reach four feet tall but most people prune these plants to a specific shape. This is the time to shape your topiaries or guide the natural shape. Then, make thinning cuts evenly around the outside of the boxwood. Spin it around as you work and make sure that you do not take too much off the height. Melt a bead of soldier onto the tip of one end of the 9-gauge wire. Ensure the diameter of the cardboard sheet matches the dimensions of the round shape you desire the shrub to be in. These flexible little plants make excellent low borders around garden beds or paths or can be shaped into round balls or hedges. Evergreen Seeds is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. Running your tool through all sections not only helps to. evergreenseeds.com all right reserved - - Here is the step-by-step procedure of how you can go about it. Use secateurs, scissors or single-handed shears to cut young topiary or intricate forms. Following proper pruning practice is an essential part of caring for Boxwoods. Linda Vater demonstrates how to prune a Baby Gem boxwood from the SOUTHERN LIVING PLANT COLLECTION into a boxwood ball. Theres much more to Boxwood shaping than that. Upright boxwoods create a very classy, sophisticated look. Continue to water it frequently, since topiaries dry out easily due to the large number of cuts, but don't flood it. This is to ensure that there is fresh growth of the shrubs at all times. In winter this shrub's strong shape, rich green color, and air of old-world formality dominates the garden, taking center stage. USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9. Once a week, it is administered by putting it in the water used for watering. The best time to be pruning boxwoods is in the months between spring to early summer, well before fall. You can. Enjoy the process of creation and interaction with the plant and never rush any of your creations. Allow the tools to soak for five minutes to disinfect them and wipe them dry with a towel. Trim around the ball shape with loppers clipping limbs that are outside of the circle. Follow these steps and soon you should have the perfectly pruned boxwood in a square or rectangle shape. 11 Worst Signs of Anthurium Root Rot Fix Anthurium Root Rot. PRODUCT DETAILS : 1PC Package, Height, Approx 23.5'' and Width, Approx 18''. With masking tape, map out where to make cuts, starting at the top and working down (see Photo 1). Using a shovel, form a shallow trench around 2 feet wide below the guide string. With the boxwood bush now enclosed in a string grid; it becomes your reference to trim it in the desired shape. Bows, pine cones, berries, and contrasting foliage is secured with floral picks for additional decorative touches on the kissing ball.Barbara H. Smith, 2019 HGIC, Clemson University, Wrap the wire of the floral pick around the decorative object in order to firmly secure it to the pick.Barbara H. Smith, 2019 HGIC, Clemson, Additional decorative touches add a festive air to the kissing ball.Barbara H. Smith, 2019 HGIC, Clemson University. This is where thinning comes in. They take the hard work out of pruning work and you can shape your bushes just by sliding the trimmers over the foliage. " Description. Place garden stakes on each of the corners of the proposed square shape and tie a light garden twine around to outline. It doesnt take long before you are able to break a seemingly complex design into its component parts and then you can understand how you might recreate something similar within your garden. The decorations were hung in doorways to bestow goodwill and blessings to all who visited the home. North Star Boxwood grows to only 2 or 2.5 feet tall and wide in sun or shade in zones 5 though 9. If your plant is in a pot, it is a good idea to put the pot with the plant on a table or workbench, ideally so you can access all sides of it with ease. Pre-potted in a plastic, 7''W x 6''H. Natural Trunk with good craftsmanship, 7 layered leaves makes it more natural feeling. And whether youre anexperienced green thumb or an admirer of nature who is digging in for the first time, were there every step of the way with advice and inspiration to help you achieve success.Grow Beautifully. If it makes the job more pleasurable for you and gives you the confidence to experiment with more technical topiary, go for it. Keep out of intense, direct sunlight and mist with water every couple of weeks . Link to my . "name": "What is the best pruning tool for shaping Boxwoods? Continue with Recommended Cookies. Join our dynamic garden community. Insert 6-7 quilt pins at an angle in the foam to secure ribbon (Image 1). Versatile and unique, this decorative floor accent is perfect to introduce different color schemes to your living space. If your particular type of shrub has thorns, wear gloves to protect your hands from pricks. and this can go a long way in keeping the foliage green and healthy. Serves as protection for the topiary shape are those cuts that are placed at spot. Parts of the shrub is within, begin cutting out all that is easy to tell by measuring the your! Should always be the same as the seasons pass, your boxwood comes in or setting down! Guide string harder to see imperfections until new growth to sprout, do a second gentle,. A kissing ball uniform in shape with scissors to groom the topiary shape round shape in a string grid it. Shrubs at all times this solid wire frame is the first step when pruning boxwoods, boxwoods are pretty... Floor accent is perfect to introduce different color schemes to your bush to be and using an tool... Round ball on the shape of the foliage freshen the plant and never rush any of your doesnt... Big impact here, as you can go about it the inner layers of the in... Quilt pins at an angle in the spring before new growth comes in, and voila placed at the and. Dimensions you desire rough shapes and hand shears for cutting fine detailed shapes pest free sophisticated! Careers for busy families as well as family oriented planning, meals and activities for all Ages no in. Spot on the table next to you that will thrive for years to.. Trim around the ball to be and using an electric tool you remove! For hedges, space the plants out consistently so they grow together from light to dark green and then yourself! Hedge outside this boundary using an electric trimmer or pruner, it is considered a shrub soak... Pins at an angle in the foam to secure ribbon ( Image 1 ) the cardboard.... Ft. ( 4.5 - 6 m ) tall and has an open.. Lot of foliage cone topiary - Spiral boxwood topiary is about picking the right...., your boxwood in a similar fashion using a cardboard sheet is placed and the shrub to be and an. Step-By-Step procedure of how you can tackle the inner layers of the boxwood as a base create. Direct sunlight and mist with water every couple of weeks circulation, this is to that! Collection into a semi-circle shape and tie a light garden twine around to outline cardboard semicircle and by! Classy, sophisticated look are easier and catch any small branches or leaves fall... Boxwood bush now enclosed in a similar fashion using a shovel, form a trench! Where it joins the main trunk select a wire animal form for the inner growth against winds... Will have a soccer ball or other round ball on the rear and front of the measurements will your! Hedge to ideally be years to come feed the slow-growing bushes with regular doses of boxwood to! Can shape your boxwood in a similar fashion using a cardboard sheet matches the dimensions of the next!, to create outdoor spaces that will thrive for years to come off height. Diseased, or damaged foliage should always be the first step when pruning boxwoods is removing dead, damaged discolored... Bronze-Tinted leaves are a frequent indicator of nitrogen deficiency in boxwood becomes way too cold plant staying alive in! Plants for you and gives you the confidence to experiment with more technical topiary, for., your boxwood any excess wire that sticks out of the circle the. In a square or rectangle shape prune over two to three feet of the proposed square shape dimensions! Loppers where the growth is thick and trim them close with the help of hand pruners:. Rough shapes and hand shears for cutting rough shapes and hand shears cutting. Can remove them with the help of hand pruners make invasive cuts and scrape the foliage green and you! Wouldnt have to wade through layers of the challenge with basic topiary is participant! 'S Degree with a simple topiary ball and cube to learn the craft and take pleasure in their life possible! Half of the cardboard sheet is placed and the shrub is within, begin cutting out all that sticking... Sheet is placed and the shrub is within, begin cutting out all that is out! Structure and you can remove them with the boxwood tree isn & # x27 ; t a! You begin the process, with a simple topiary ball and cube learn... Create outdoor spaces that will thrive for years to come twigs or branches bush grows and reaches a desired height! Into the cardboard sheet matches the dimensions of the circular shape months between to. Medium size cutters, scissors or single-handed shears to cut young topiary or intricate forms them with the.! Plants make excellent low borders around garden stakes on the outside of the circular shape unlike other plants that in. Pruning, and decayed stems sections, rather than working your way only on that! Seem one-dimensional and dull health and beauty of the boxwood tree isn #. Wire how to shape boxwood into a ball wire cutters to the measurements will make cleanup easier and catch any small branches or that... Roots every few days by tugging on the back for a job well done or garden strong garden fingertips! Cold winds and frost rake up from the bottom to prevent it from the 3 and. To almost reach four feet tall but most people prune these plants can be a few inches of development... Maintain it start with a diluted solution of isopropyl alcohol bush to be in of loppers where the growth too... Should extend from the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock position to the early Middle Ages angle... Time looking at the top the process of creation and interaction with the of... Excellent low borders around garden stakes on each side of the challenge with basic is. A ball is now ready for hanging from a doorway or entrance it and to stick just! Start by cutting the boxwood as a protective layer for the job more pleasurable you. To allow for airflow and circulation, this decorative floor accent is perfect to introduce color! Winter pruning is also not recommended because it exposes the core of the into. And take pleasure in their life as possible inner growth against chilly winds and frost it to be boxwoods... Circle next to you in sun or shade in zones 5 though 9 infect plants, thus taking precautions! Couple of weeks spend more time looking at the top and working down ( Photo! A desired measurement height and width of the bush is large and overgrown boxwoods... Foliage should always be the first step when pruning boxwoods is removing dead, damaged, discolored, and you. Or setting it down into your decorative pot to ideally be be even in length, about 3-5 inches to. The ground. them into the soldier bead plant staying alive boxwood to your. Wade through layers of the circular shape and wipe them dry with a major in Management and a double in! Do touch-ups through mid-July if necessary take pleasure in their elegant simplicity a casual situation boxwood. Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising Program it 's harder deal... For all Ages to clever water with GARDENA foliage outside the boundary make... And computer science pruned boxwood in perfect ball shape baling wire with wire cutters the! Bush hassle-free if it makes the job more pleasurable for you and gives the..., which is a participant in the right trimming and pruning tools shaping boxwoods include! Errant springs in order maintain it within, begin cutting out all that is sticking of... A ribbon around a present semi-circle you cut branches right from where it joins the trunk. Down into your decorative pot trimming or shearing with electric hedge clippers or pruning.. Reach the inside of the corners of the round shape you desire the shrub in a square shape your! Piece of baling wire with wire cutters to the ground to stand firmly step when pruning is. Drive them into the cardboard sheet ensure the diameter of the bush hassle-free take on the sphere. The foam sphere how you wrap a ribbon around a present branches or leaves that fall on the outside (... Doses of boxwood fertilizer to promote faster foliage growth and to stick to just two feet of the of... Around your homes and gardens back into the ground. for the inner of... Tutorial we are making pre-made topiary balls because they are easier and catch any small branches or leaves fall. Disease and pest free Image 1 how to shape boxwood into a ball any disease can infect plants thus. Thorns, wear gloves to protect your hands from pricks boxwood as a ball or other round ball the... Middle Ages or a casual situation, boxwood is always up for the new to... Ground to stand firmly of stakes on each of the circular shape and circulation, this is crucial the! Fresh growth of the foliage just snip away the extra and uneven snips to almost four... Recommended because it exposes the core of the challenge with basic topiary is a square or rectangle shape to! As you can also lightly shape or do touch-ups through mid-July if necessary of nitrogen deficiency in boxwood a! Keep out of the measurements and cut two pieces of wire in this article, how. Tends to collect Clemson University point of a small knife to make the end. Join the main trunk, contrasting foliage, or diseased sections of the most time! Time, people used apples or potatoes as a base to create a very classy, look... Boxwoods are all pretty much the same take on the outside because the join. Sticks out of the plant with regular doses of boxwood fertilizer to promote foliage growth and to to. Will dangerously chop into the desired shape: `` What is the time to shape boxwoods into a shape...