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Victor H. Ries’ Cliff Notes on Boxwood
by Susy Spence
Horticulture Chair
OAGC members who attended this years’ state convention
were delighted to receive an established cutting of one of Vic Ries’ miniature
boxwoods. These
have been propagated and handed down though the years. They are a little part
of our living history. Here is information from the archives of The Garden
Path in Vic Ries’ own words on specifically how to handle these little
babies. “Boxwood is an evergreen shrub of very dense rounded form, usually as
broad as it is tall. It blooms, but the blossoms are so small and inconspicuous
that it is never grown for its bloom, Its value lies in the fact that it is
evergreen, slow growing, and requires practically no pruning to maintain its low
dense habit of growth.
“Boxwood will grow in any soil from stiff clay to sandy loam, although it
prefers a good well-drained loam with plenty of humus. It is very tolerant and
will grow in either acid or alkaline soil. It requires a constant supply of
moisture the year round. Mulch helps maintain moisture and any good mulching
material is suitable. It does best in full sun providing it gets enough
moisture, but grows well in shade. Here in Ohio it grows best with direct
sunlight only part of the day.
“Boxwood is a heavy feeding plant and should be fertilized to promote growth
and vigor. Well-fed plants generally suffer least from winter injury. Feeding is
best in the fall from mid-September until freezing or/and early spring as soon
as the ground thaws until June. Buy boxwood that has been grown locally if at
all possible or from any Ohio Nursery.
“You can propagate boxwood yourself from cuttings. Make tip cuttings 4 inches
more or less, in fall or early spring before new growth starts. Plant cuttings
half their length deep in a frame filled with a mixture of sand and loam. They
should be kept moist until well rooted. Spring cuttings should be left in the
cold frame at least one year and fall cuttings until the second spring.”
These words are from an interview by Mrs. Harold Shoupp with Professor Victor H.
Ries.
Congratulations and Thanks, OAGC Growers!
Gardening for Excellence participants should have sent performance
report sheets back by October 1, 2005, to Susy Spence, State Horticulture Chair,
125 East Sharon Road, Cincinnati, OH 45246. If not, please send them back
immediately. Your name was entered in a drawing for a book of your choice from
the OAGC sales table (value up to $35.00) if your report form arrived by October
1, 2005
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