root pruning potted boxwood??

17 years ago

I have six boxwoods in 18" Mexican pots and I'm thinking that they are probably pot bound. They've been in these pots for at least 5 or 6 years and they are not holding moisture for very long. I've heard of "root pruning" but I've never done it. Any thoughts? I would prefer not to get bigger pots for the deck they are on.

I've also had the Mexican pots break apart when I try to get a pot bound plant out of them. I would like to try to save them - any way to prevent that? - although they're so inexpensive at the NorCal outlet, it's not a huge big deal...

BettyN

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

bahia
17 years ago
Once you get them out of the pots, trim off about an inch of old soil and roots all around, and then repot with fresh soil and add some time release fertilizer. Try using a sharp kitchen knife against the sides of the pots to more easily get them out.
calistoga_al ca 15 usda 9
17 years ago
Five or six years in the same potting soil, the organic components are surely long ago turned to dust. Every three years I would change the soil and re-prune to keep your boxwood looking its best. Al
Related Professionals
Willowick Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Aberdeen Landscape Contractors · Canby Landscape Contractors · Mastic Beach Landscape Contractors · Oakland Landscape Contractors · Pacifica Landscape Contractors · Pine Hills Landscape Contractors · Vacaville Landscape Contractors · Reisterstown Landscape Contractors · Cypress Swimming Pool Builders · League City Swimming Pool Builders · Lisle Swimming Pool Builders · Randolph Swimming Pool Builders · Pacifica Window Contractors · Security-Widefield Window Contractors

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Boxwood: Still Shape-Shifting After 350 Years

By Mary Jo Bowling

Wild or mild, the humble boxwood still brings style and order to all kinds of gardens

Full Story

WINTER GARDENING Pruning Secrets for Exquisite Roses

By Annie Thornton

Encourage gorgeous blooms year after year with this time-tested advice on how to prune your rosebush in winter for health and shape

Full Story

130

FLOWERS AND PLANTS Easterners: Consider This Native Alternative to Boxwood

By Curtis Adams

Inkberry, or Ilex glabra, excels as a foundation plant or formal hedge perfectly suited to the East Coast

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Boxwood

By Becky Harris

This elegant evergreen can shape shift into forms limited only by a gardener's imagination and a clipper's reach

Full Story

ART The Beauty of Bonsai — Living Art, Rooted in Harmony

By creative jewish mom.com

Create your own emblem of nature's balance with an art form dating back 1,000 years

Full Story

FEEL-GOOD HOME Rejuvenate Your Home With Deep-Rooted Traditions

By Apartment 46 for the Home

Give the subtle energies and spiritual side of your home some attention, and watch newfound calm and beauty blossom

Full Story

CONTAINER GARDENS Want Compelling Garden Minimalism? Think One Plant, One Pot

By CYAN Horticulture

Highlight a show-worthy stunner or elevate a pedestrian plant by giving it a solo starring role in the garden

Full Story

CONTAINER GARDENS Container Garden Basics: How and When to Water Potted Plants

By Kim Gamel

Confused about soil moisture, the best time to water and what watering device to use? This guide can help

Full Story

SPRING GARDENING How to Grow a Rose Garden in Pots

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Everything can come up roses, even without a plot of soil in sight. This step-by-step guide to growing roses in containers shows you how

Full Story

PLANTING IDEAS Stretch the Budget, Seasons and Style: Add Conifers to Your Containers

By Le jardinet

Small, low-maintenance conifers are a boon for mixed containers — and you can transplant them to your garden when they’ve outgrown the pot

Full Story

root pruning potted boxwood??

Comments (2)

bahia

calistoga_al ca 15 usda 9

Related Professionals

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US