Can a Boxwood Hedge Prosper within 250 feet of a salt water bay?
Although they are hardy shrubs, I'm not so hopeful that they would survive so close to the saltwater. It never hurts to try, but be aware that it may not thrive there.
I planted Japanese boxwoods about 3 years ago. They aren't dying but they aren't growing either. They are only slightly larger than when I planted them. They seems to be in a perpetual state. What am I doing wrong?
It is possible that the site they are in doesn't have the correct conditions for healthy boxwood growth, such as if the site has poorly drained or compacted soil or pH outside the proper range:
http://www.usna.usda.gov/Gardens/faqs/boxwoodfaq2.html
Boxwood can live in the shade, but will grow faster in the sun:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/boxwood/boxwood-care.htm
What is the best fertilizer for young boxwood plants
It is best to feed these with an organic 10-6-4 mix, if possible. Feed these in early spring. Here is an article with more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/boxwood/fertilizing-boxwoods.htm
Here is a collection of articles on the care of these bushes: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/boxwood/
I can't find 10-6-4 fertilizer or anything specifically for boxwoods. Can you suggest specific commercial products? What about Jobes 4-4-4? I have been using Ironite Plus 12-10-10 every spring.
I believe your suggestion of the 4-4-4 will be a good substitute. For a little more nitrogen, you can supplement with coffee grounds as well as a little coffee or tea mixed with mostly water. I do this for many of my plants that just need a little nitrogen. It is much better to underfeed than overfeed. Plus many plants like to be slightly underfed, as doing the opposite would be putting you at risk of salt buildup. Here is an article that will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/boxwood/fertilizing-boxwoods.htm
Would like to shorten an old boxwood hedge. Currently hedge is 6 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Would like to cut down to 4 feet but same width. There are some leaves about 6 inches from top in the center of the bushes. I am thinking I would start by cutting 6 inches off the top every year for four years. Is this reasonable?
It sounds like you have the right idea. Here is an article that will give you more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/boxwood/trimming-boxwood-bushes.htm
My 18 yr old boxwoods are dying. There is no blight on the leaves, no indication of a pest feeding on them. The only common denominator is tan spots on the branches. This is not present on healthy branches just those who are turning yellow and this already brown. When the leaves turn brown and fall off the branches are dry and brittle. They have not been over watered and they are still dying even through the winter. I hope you can help. Thanks
There are, actually, quite a few things that can cause this problem. Typically, this is indicative of a root or soil infection. Many times, putting wettable sulfur into the soil area, and watering in will help. With more aggressive cases, this may not work, and you will have to narrow down the exact disease for treatment.
This article will give you some more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/boxwood/yellow-or-brown-boxwoods.htm
I live in zone 5 (lower Hudson Valley NY) I brought a potted boxwood topiary indoors to overwinter. It’s in an east window, and the indoor temperature is usually about 67. I water 1x a week and mist everyday. It’s losing leaves daily from the bottom ball. Very dry and curled up. I wonder if I could relocate it but I don’t want to lose it and the outside temp today is 12 and moving it outdoors will probably kill it. Can I put it in an unheated garage? It won’t get any sun Please help, Thanks
This, actually, sounds like the indoor humidity being low, and possibly not receiving enough light. If you have another window that gets bright light all day, then you may want to move it to where it is bright but indirect.
It may be a battle until the temperatures remain mild enough to put it back out. Just keep caring for it, and when the temps get back up, it will grow new leaves. I don't believe it will die, but it might try and go semi-dormant.