Overview of Buxus Cordata
Buxus cordata, also known as Heart-leaved Boxwood, is a small evergreen shrub belonging to Buxaceae family. This plant is native to the western part of China and is widely cultivated in many parts of the world as an ornamental plant. It is a slow-growing plant and can survive in different types of soils and environmental conditions.
Description of Buxus Cordata
The Heart-leaved Boxwood has a dense and bushy growth habit with a rounded shape. It can grow up to a height of 3-4 feet and can spread up to 3-4 feet wide. The leaves of this plant are small, ovate, and glossy with smooth edges. They are dark green in color in the upper part and pale green in the lower part. The branches of this plant are thin and have a smooth texture. It also produces small and insignificant flowers that bloom in late spring.
Uses of Buxus Cordata
Buxus cordata is primarily grown as an ornamental plant. It is commonly used as a border plant, a hedge plant, and to create topiary designs. It is popular for its dense foliage and neat appearance. The plant is also known to be resistant to deer browsing, which makes it an ideal plant for landscaping projects in areas with deer populations. Additionally, the wood of this plant is used to make musical instruments, particularly harpsichords.
Cultivation of Buxus Cordata
Buxus cordata thrives in well-drained soils that are slightly acidic in nature. It prefers partial to full shade, but it can also tolerate full sun. The plant does not require much water once established, but regular watering is necessary during the initial growing phase. Its slow growth rate makes it easy to maintain, and pruning can be done to keep the plant in shape. Propagation is typically done through cuttings or layering.
Light Requirements
The plant Buxus cordata typically prefers partial to full shade. High levels of direct sunlight can cause the plant to suffer from leaf scorch. It can thrive in areas with filtered light where the intensity of sunlight is reduced.
Temperature Requirements
Buxus cordata can grow in areas with a temperature ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. It can tolerate light frost, but it is not capable of surviving in areas with frequent frost conditions. Extreme cold temperatures can cause the plant's leaves to turn brown.
Soil Requirements
Buxus cordata thrives in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant can tolerate different soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. However, when grown in clay soils, it is essential to enhance soil drainage to prevent waterlogging. The ideal pH range for this plant is 6.0 to 7.5, which means it can grow in soils that are slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.
Cultivation methods for Buxus cordata
Buxus cordata is a hardy shrub that can be grown in most soil types, including acidic and alkaline soils. It prefers well-draining soil and a sunny or partially shaded location.
It can be propagated through both vegetative and sexual means. Vegetative propagation involves taking cuttings from young shoots while sexual propagation involves sowing seeds in autumn and winter.
Watering needs for Buxus cordata
Buxus cordata requires regular watering, especially during dry periods or when grown in containers. The plant should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
It's essential to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other diseases. Watering should be reduced during the winter months.
Fertilization for Buxus cordata
The plant requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth and foliage. A balanced slow-release fertilizer can be applied in spring and summer.
It's advisable to avoid applying fertilizers during the winter months, as this can lead to brittle and weak growth. Additionally, fertilizer should be applied sparingly as excessive use can lead to salt burn and other issues.
Pruning for Buxus cordata
Buxus cordata requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. Pruning should be carried out in late winter or early spring before the onset of new growth.
Dead, damaged, or diseased branches should be removed as soon as possible to prevent the spread of disease. The plant can be pruned to the desired shape and size, but care should be taken not to over-prune, as this can lead to stunted growth.
Propagation of Buxus cordata
Buxus cordata, commonly known as the small-leaved boxwood, can be propagated through various methods which include:
Cuttings
Cuttings method involves using plant parts to grow new plants. In the case of B. cordata, stem cuttings of 5 to 10 cm are collected from the parent plant, treated with rooting hormone and inserted into a rooting medium.
The rooting medium could be sand, perlite or vermiculite which should be kept moist until the cutting has roots and is ready to transplant into a potting mix. Cuttings should be taken in the summer or early autumn.
Layering
Layering is another propagation method that can be used for B. cordata. With this method, a low-lying stem of the parent plant is bent halfway through and pinned to the ground with a U-shaped wire after removing the leaves and applying rooting hormone to the stem.
The bent stem is then buried in a rooting medium and left to develop roots. When roots have grown, the new plant can be severed from the parent and potted separately.
Division
Division is a common propagation method for plants with a clumping growth habit like B. cordata. With this method, the parent plant is dug out of the ground, separated into smaller clusters of roots with attached stem and leaves, and replanted in desired locations.
Division is recommended during the dormant period of the plant which is in late autumn or early spring.
Seed Propagation
In rare cases, B. cordata can be propagated from seed. The seeds require stratification and may take a long time to germinate with a low rate of success. Seeds can be collected from the parent plant and stratified for 3 months before sowing in moist soil.
Keep the soil moist and maintain a constant temperature of 20°C until germination occurs.
Disease and Pest Management for Buxus cordata
Buxus cordata is a beautiful evergreen plant with compact growth and shiny green foliage. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its health and appearance. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Buxus cordata and ways to manage them.
Box blight:
Box blight is a fungal disease that can affect Buxus cordata, causing brown spots or patches on the leaves, defoliation, and dieback. It thrives in humid and damp conditions and can spread quickly in a group of Box plants. To manage the disease, prune the affected branches and improve air circulation around the plant. Fungicides such as tebuconazole can be used to control the infection.
Boxwood leaf miner:
Boxwood leaf miner is a pest that can damage the foliage of Buxus cordata. The adult flies lay eggs on the underside of the leaves, and the larvae feed within the leaf tissue, causing yellowing and browning of the leaves. To manage the pest, prune the affected branches and remove and destroy any infested foliage. Neem oil can be used to control the population of the adult flies and larvae.
Boxwood mite:
Boxwood mite is a pest that can cause yellowing and bronzing of the leaves of Buxus cordata. The pest feeds on the sap of the plant and can cause leaf drop and defoliation in severe cases. To manage the pest, prune the affected branches and improve the hygiene around the plant. Insecticides such as neem oil or horticultural oil can be used to control the population of the pest.
Boxwood psyllid:
Boxwood psyllid is a pest that can affect Buxus cordata, causing cupping of the leaves and a stunted growth of the plant. The pest feeds on the sap of the plant and can cause severe damage in a short period. To manage the pest, prune the affected branches and remove and destroy any infested foliage. Insecticides such as neem oil or horticultural oil can be used to control the population of the pest.
Winter damage:
Buxus cordata is susceptible to winter damage, especially in areas with harsh weather conditions. The foliage can turn brown or yellow, or the plant can suffer from dieback. To manage the damage, prune the affected branches, and provide protection to the plant during the winter months. Mulching the base of the plant can also help to protect the roots from the cold temperature.
By implementing these disease and pest management practices, you can ensure that your Buxus cordata remains healthy and looks beautiful year-round.
