The root ball should be set in the hole so that the top roots sit at or slightly above ground level when planting is complete. It should be as deep as the distance from the top roots to the bottom of the root ball. The pros at the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center recommend preparing a hole that is two to five feet wide. This can cause even a moisture-loving plant to suffer from oversaturation, as water is likely to pool instead of draining away, limiting the roots’ intake of essential oxygen. Elevate the CrownĪ common mistake gardeners make when planting is to set the crown, or the point where the branches meet the roots, too deeply in the soil. You’ll read about one shortly, in the “Substitute for Boxwood” section, and you’ll be introduced to several others in the photo captions throughout the article.Īllowing suckers to remain in proximity to the main shrub may be detrimental to all in the form of crowding that causes reduced airflow and root space, competition for nourishment, and reduced sun exposure. You can reduce the risk of suckering by purchasing a cultivated variety, rather than a straight species. If they are uprooted with care, you may be able to transplant them. The species plant, as it appears in the wild, is prone to “suckering.” In addition, stressors like a lack of water or root damage from mowing equipment can make a plant more likely to sucker.Īs soon as you see sprouts growing under or near your shrub, pull them out and discard them, unless you want multiple hollies to grow. If they are not removed, you may end up with a “colony” of shrubs that sprouted from the first one. Suckers are shoots that grow randomly from a shrub, tree, or other woody plant’s roots. So, you may want to buy a female, give it a year or two, and if you don’t get fruit, seek out a male from a reputable nursery. The closer you plant a male and female, the greater the chance of pollination.Īlso, the primary pollinators of these plants are bees, so if you have an abundance of flowers, the odds of producing fruit are even greater.Īnd finally, since this is a native plant, it’s possible that a male may be growing near enough for pollinators to visit it and then come to your property. That’s a great question, and there’s not a definite answer. The logical question I’m sure you’re thinking is, “How far apart should I plant them?” However, only the female sets fruit, provided there is a male shrub in the vicinity to provide the pollen necessary for fertilization. This is a dioecious species, and both male and female plants produce flowers. Plus, they’re a native genus, something that’s more and more interesting to people not just on Earth Day but every day.I. These two Ilex glabra are strong contenders as alternatives to boxwood. Green industry professionals can do the same. Think of it like food: when a favorite item is unavailable or out of season, top chefs find a way to make gourmet meals with other ingredients. While we’re certainly working hard as an industry to find controls and more disease-resistant varieties, we’ve got to be ready to try new genera, too. There are plenty of reasons why boxwood Buxus is a landscape staple, but as it faces multiple pest and disease threats, the horticulture world need to adapt. These days when it’s becoming harder to find plants, that’s a real benefit that your local nursery is hopefully taking advantage of. One final point in Ilex glabra’s favor: it’s way faster growing than boxwood. They are both dense, well-branched varieties that avoid that bare-legged look that can plague other varieties and welcome the heavy shearing that boxwood fans often enjoy.Įither will grow in full sun or part shade and is hardy in USDA 5-9. They’re pretty similar, although Strongbox® has larger leaves and maybe a little more squat than Gem Box. Strongbox® (left) and Gem Box® (right) are two compact selections of our native Ilex glabra. Strongbox Ilex glabra Gem Box Ilex glabra And then there’s the added bonus that it doesn’t stink! I’m a confessed crazy cat lady, but wow, sometimes a boxwood planting is overwhelming. This plant isn’t bothered at all by wet feet. Full disclosure: it’s not quite as deer-resistant and not quite as shade-tolerant, but it will do pretty well overall. Inkberry holly ( Ilex glabra) is a great substitute for boxwood in many situations. Looking for a new kind of evergreen hedge? Even if you haven’t yet been affected by boxwood blight or the boxwood tree moth, you should be aware of those threats and be ready to pivot as needed.
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