Boxwood tree. Boxwood tree - in the tropics, and not only Beneficial properties of boxwood

They say that one day Saint Khizr gave some water from the heavenly spring of Zemzem to a crow and ordered it to sprinkle people’s heads with it so that they would gain eternal life. The crow took the water, flew and sat on a box tree. Back then boxwood was not evergreen. Sitting on a tree, the crow decided to pour water on its head. But she failed, the water spilled onto the boxwood, which from that day became evergreen.

Five centuries. This is exactly how much is measured for this long-lived plant, a unique living witness of history. Boxwood is a long-liver. Some plants reach 500-600 years of age. However, it grows very slowly; over a hundred years, its trunk thickens by barely 10 cm. The aroma from the flowering of boxwood spreads far from the bush, filling the air in the area with a pleasant smell.

Boxwood is a favorite plant of gardeners, who use it as a hedge. The evergreen fence turns out to be so dense and dense that it looks like a real wall. It’s not for nothing that boxwood (Buxus) means dense in Greek. From the crown you can form a wide variety of geometric, and not only, shapes. When trimming boxwood bushes, the gardener must be careful, as this plant contains substances that can cause allergies. You need to protect your eyes and put on rubber gloves on your hands. Typically, the time to trim boxwood is at the beginning of August.

Botanical description:

The leaves are opposite, from elliptical to almost round, entire, leathery.

The flowers are small, unisexual, in axillary inflorescences, fragrant.

The fruit is a three-lobed capsule, which cracks when ripe and scatters black shiny seeds.

Temperature:

In summer, room temperature is normal, although boxwood prefers to be placed outdoors. You can take it out onto the balcony when the threat of spring frosts has passed, or bring it in in the fall, with the first cold weather. Boxwood should overwinter in cool conditions with limited watering. Optimally in winter about 5°C, in winter about 16-18°C, not lower than 12°C.

Lighting:

Bright diffused light. In summer, shading from direct midday sun will be required. In the garden, boxwood is placed in the natural shade of taller shrubs or trees.

In summer it is quite plentiful, in winter - depending on the temperature, it is more scarce.

Fertilizer:

From March to August, every 2 weeks. Fertilizer for azaleas is suitable.

Air humidity:

Responds well to periodic spraying with settled water.

Transfer:

Annually in soil with a pH close to neutral. A mixture of 1 part coniferous soil, 2 parts leaf soil, 1 part sand (vermiculite, perlite). You can add pieces of birch coals. Good drainage is required; the planting container should not be too spacious, otherwise the plant will be stunted in growth.

Reproduction:

Cuttings and seeds. Cuttings take a long time to root and it is difficult. In culture, it is usually propagated by summer and autumn cuttings, since the seeds have a very long dormant period. Cuttings are cut at the end of summer; they should be semi-lignified at the base, be no longer than 7 cm and have 2-3 internodes. For rooting, it is recommended to use phytohormones (kornevin, heteroauxin) and soil heating in a room greenhouse.

Distribution and ecology:

There are three major areas:

African - in forests and forest-steppes south of Equatorial Africa and Madagascar,
Central American - in the tropics and subtropics south of northern Mexico and Cuba (25 endemic species); American species are the largest-leaved plants of the genus, often reaching the size of medium-sized trees (up to 20 m),
Euro-Asian - from the British Isles through Southern Europe, Asia Minor and Western Asia, Transcaucasia, China to Japan and Sumatra.

In Russia, on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus, in gorges and river valleys in the second tier of broad-leaved forests, one species grows - Colchis Boxwood (Buxus colchica). The unique boxwood forest is located in the middle reaches of the Tsitsa River on the territory of the Tsitsinsky forestry district of the Kurdzhip forestry enterprise in the Republic of Adygea, and has the status of an area with a reserved protection regime. Its area is about 200 hectares.

The habitat of boxwoods is constantly shrinking due to logging. Particularly large areas of boxwood relict forests were damaged in the fall of 2009 during the construction of the Adler-Krasnaya Polyana Olympic road. Several thousand trunks were uprooted and buried.

Boxwoods are very unpretentious plants: they grow on rocky screes, on the edges of forests, in bushes and dark deciduous forests. Very shade-tolerant, but also heat-loving. In nature they live on slightly acidic soils.

Security status

Colchian boxwood is listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation.

Meaning and Application

Boxwood is one of the most ancient ornamental plants that were used for landscaping and in ornamental horticulture (often called Buxus). It is valued for its thick, beautiful crown, shiny foliage and ability to tolerate pruning well, which allows you to create hedges and borders from them, as well as fancy shapes that retain their shape for a long time.

Catholics in Western European countries decorate their homes with boxwood branches on Palm Sunday.

Wood

Boxwood is a coreless mature wood species. This means that in a freshly cut tree the difference in color between sapwood and mature wood is almost imperceptible. Dried boxwood has a uniform matte color from light yellow to waxy color, which darkens little over time, and a uniform structure with narrow annual layers. The vessels are small, single, and not visible to the naked eye. The medullary rays are almost invisible in sections. The wood tastes a little bitter, there is no special smell.

Boxwood wood is the hardest and densest of all found in Europe. Its density is from 830 kg/m³ (absolutely dry) to 1300 kg/m³ (freshly cut), and its hardness is from 58 N/mm² (radial) to 112 N/mm² (end).

Boxwood exceeds hornbeam in terms of strength: in compression along the fibers - about 74 MPa, in static bending - 115 MPa.

Solid, homogeneous, heavy boxwood is used for small carving work on wood, in the manufacture of small dishes, chess pieces, cue balls for playing novus, musical instruments, machine parts that required high wear resistance in combination with a perfectly smooth surface: printing machine rollers , bobbins and weaving shuttles, measuring instruments, parts of optical and surgical instruments. The twisted areas are used to make smoking pipes.

Boxwood sawn across the grain (end) is used in woodcuts (wood engravings). Boxwood is the best tree for woodblock printing, and this led to its almost complete destruction in the second half of the 19th century, when illustrations in newspapers around the world were cut on boxwood boards, sometimes the size of a newspaper spread.

Sawn veneer was and is now being made from boxwood in small quantities, using special machines with a thin cut. In the 20th and 21st centuries, boxwood veneer is used only for inlays due to its high cost.

Tsuge (Japanese name for boxwood) is the wood used to make shogi figurines.

Offers to sell boxwood on the market are quite rare, and the price is very high.

Use as a medicinal plant

Boxwood leaves release phytoncides into the atmosphere that kill pathogenic microbes. The air in boxwood groves is almost sterile. It is very beneficial for those who suffer from upper respiratory tract disease.

Already in ancient times, boxwood was used as a remedy against coughs, gastrointestinal diseases, and chronic fevers, such as malaria. As a remedy against malaria, it is supposedly comparable in action to quinine. Nowadays, due to its toxicity, boxwood preparations are rarely used, since they are very difficult to dose accurately. Overdose can lead to vomiting, seizures and even death. Homeopaths still use boxwood as a remedy against rheumatism.

Boxwood is used to make amulets. It is believed that boxwood branches serve as an excellent amulet against various evil spells, against dark magic, for example, against the evil eye and damage, and against energy vampirism. In addition, boxwood branches placed under the pillow can protect against bad dreams. There is also an opinion that if a person constantly carries a boxwood sprig with him, it gives him the gift of eloquence and protects him from accidents. In addition, boxwood amulets were previously used as a “lock” for sorcerers. These boxwood amulets were used to “close” sorcerers, preventing them from using their powers for evil.

Poisonous properties

All parts of the plant and especially the leaves are poisonous. Boxwood contains about 70 alkaloids, among others cyclobuxin D. The alkaloid content in the leaves and bark is about 3%. The lethal dose of cyclobuxin D for dogs is 0.1 mg per kilogram of body weight when taken orally.

The Legend of Boxwood

On my travels one day
I visited the Circassians.
And more hospitable than the people
I did not know among the proud mountaineers.

Parting gifts
I received a lot of different ones
But the staff was dearer to me,
Made from miracle wood.

"We call it boxwood,"
That's what he told me goodbye
My master is hospitable. -
It's not a tree - it's a stone!

Cradles are made from boxwood,
Spoons are cut, but never
None of the mountaineers are brave
I didn’t cut the boats out of wood.”

“Why?” - I was surprised
And in response I heard a fairy tale...
Or in fact it was
What did the owner say?
***
The Adygs lived for hundreds of years
Peaceful, happy and quiet.
They grazed cattle, raised children,
And the blades were forged well.

But one early morning
(The sky was suddenly covered with clouds)
The ships landed on the shore.
Then the Turks came cruelly.

Having heard about the Circassians,
And about their peaceful life,
They wanted to capture them
The Turks are not a tricky business!

But where should the Turks go?
After all, there are mountains everywhere!
Where were the Circassians buried?
How to find the way to them?

Suddenly a boy came ashore -
Ten years or twelve
The Turks would have given the boy
And he addressed his enemies:

"I will take you to the village,
Where the Circassians are blissful.
I'll show you the secrets of the path.
What will you give me for this?"

The elder Turk smiled,
He promised golden mountains
And in my soul I concealed deceit:
Cut it down - and that’s the whole payment!

The boy jumped joyfully:
He is pleased with the reward.
And he led the enemies to the river.
There he ordered a halt.

“Our rivers are all treacherous,”
The little traitor began.
Even though they seem submissive,
You can't get past them without boats.

You will cut down those trees -
We call them boxwood -
Make boats from wood
Cross the river

Well, then it’s all the way to the village
A little left! Hurry up.
What if the Circassians suspect
And will they have time to arm themselves?”

From the roots of the mighty willow
The boy pulled out the boat -
He got here on it.
The Turks laughed for a long time:

Unpretentious, crooked,
And the paddle - ha! - the pole is clumsy.
Well, the Circassians, well, craftsmen!
What kind of master built the boat?

Boxwood trunks fell.
The enemies tried very hard.
The boats are durable and beautiful,
Not a couple of Maltsova came out!

The Turks loaded all their belongings,
They jumped into those boats themselves,
And pushing off from the shore,
They swam after the boy.

And the river was already seething!
She freaked out and cried.
Ready to devour enemies.
They laugh: “You won’t get it!”

Suddenly, the roar of the river blocked,
A cry rang out: “Help!”
They made noise, they shouted,
The Turks rushed about in fear.

"Why is this happening?
The boats are sinking like they are full of holes!
And we are only today
They cut down the ships themselves!

New boats! Durable tree!
Help! Hey, who's listening!"
But the river made a menacing noise,
And the Bregas were silent angrily.

Only the birds spilled
Trills in the heavenly heights.
The birds knew the secret of the boats,
And they sang praises to the boy.

"You have invaded our lands,
And retribution has overtaken you!
The abyss has swallowed you.
Lesson from now on!” the birds whistled.

And the little guy on the boat is spinning,
Made from old willow
I moved to the other side,
And he addressed the dead:

"You came to the Adygs with war,
They wanted to destroy the lands,
Take in the full of Adyghe women,
Kill the Adyghe men!

But you didn’t know, enemies,
What are the forests and rivers for us!
It was not the warriors who defeated you,
Defeated the voiceless boxwood!

Know, cursed are the Turks,
That boxwood is a wonderful tree.
Throw linden and poplar into the water
They will float up. The boxwood will drown!"

With a final smile,
The boy returned to the village.
He was given a hero's welcome there.
They sang glory to the boxwood too.
***
Since then in this village
There won't be a person
To take a branch of boxwood,
Didn't whisper: "Liberator..."

Once I was transporting a huge boxwood bush that had grown over 14 years on a summer cottage. In my thoughts I already saw it planted opposite the windows of my office, trimmed - I intended to root the branches in a greenhouse. The bush with roots, carefully wrapped in hefty bags, probably weighed more than three pounds. I was tortured trying to get it to the train, and then, in the city, to the tram. Apparently, I looked so tired that a cheerful group of young men and women of oriental appearance gave me a corner on the rear platform of the tram and even a seat on which I collapsed almost exhausted.

One of this company, seeing the evergreen leaves, reacted violently and admiringly, and in Russian the phrase “iron tree!”, “iron tree!” was most often repeated. Then he asked if he could take a branch of this “tree” to show his wife. Of course, I cut off five or six branches, explaining that with luck they could root them into a living plant. The delight of the young people - and these were Crimean Tatars - knew no bounds. Having sincerely thanked him for the gift, they began to lively discuss boxwood.

The joy of a person who sees something dear and close in a foreign country is natural - it’s the same as if you, having lived for many years in some equatorial Africa or Guatemala, suddenly, by chance, around a bend, stumble upon a birch tree or Christmas tree dear to your heart. And it will immediately pinch your heart, and you will remember your home, your family, and your children, without whom it is so sad in a foreign land...

Yes, there is a lot of boxwood in Crimea. There was even more of it in ancient Greece and Rome. In ancient times, boxwood branches served as a symbol of durability.

Later, in the Middle Ages, boxwood branches were used for decoration on Palm Sunday in the Alps - just as mistletoe was used in the British Isles during the winter holidays - and mugs and boxes made from boxwood wood were used to store medicines and medicinal herbs.

Today, the solid, heavy wood of a rich yellow color that is highly polished is used to make valuable turning crafts, fine items, expensive luxury items, even musical instruments.

Still, you and I, of course, are interested - is there any experience in using boxwood not only for “storing medicines”, but directly for medicinal purposes? Yes, I have. But more about this after a brief biological and geographical excursion.

Genus Boxwood, or Buxus ( Buxus) of the Samshit family ( Buxaceae) includes over 40 species distributed in the Mediterranean countries, coastal regions of Europe, East and Southeast Asia, the West Indies, on the island of Madagascar and in Africa itself, as well as in Transcaucasia, Bulgaria, and Crimea.

All these plants, in terms of life forms, are predominantly evergreen shrubs and trees, having mainly decorative or practical value - although in the family, outside the genus Boxwood, there are also herbs.

Plants of the genus Buxus bloom from March to April and can reach eight meters in height. Small unisexual flowers are collected, as a rule, in capitate-spike-shaped inflorescences. The fruit is a capsule.

In addition to two Caucasian wild species - boxwood colchis (Buxus colchica) And Hyrcanian (Buxus hyrcana), - four more are found in culture.

As for Ukraine, here (especially in Crimea) the most common decorative plant is evergreen boxwood (Buxus sempervirens), a shrub about 1 m tall (older specimens are taller), which is also considered a honey plant. By the way, this particular species is interesting as a promising medicinal raw material; the leaves and bark contain significant amounts of alkaloids.

On the southern coast of Crimea, heat-loving species are widely used for borders and hedges: boxwood Garland (Buxus harlandii), small-leaved (Buxus microphylla) And boxwood balearic (Buxus balearica).

Let's return to the most promising of them. Boxwood evergreen - Buxus sempervirens- an evergreen ornamental shrub native to the Mediterranean, belonging to the boxwood family, grown mostly in the southern regions of Ukraine (Crimea), Italy, Bulgaria, Transcaucasia, etc. The leaves are opposite, leathery, entire, short-petiolate, from ovate to elongated ellipsoid, obtuse at the apex, sometimes with a slightly noticeable notch, dark green above, light below.

The flowers are greenish-yellow, small, unisexual, monoecious, with a simple regular perianth, collected in the axils of the leaves. Numerous male flowers are collected at the bottom of the bunch, female flowers - one at a time (rarely 2–3) at its top.

Boxwood blooms (in the southern regions) in March - April. The fruit is a spherical capsule. The leaves contain buxin and other alkaloids, tannins and essential oil. To prepare medicines, fresh or dried boxwood leaves are used, which are harvested in spring and summer. Dry in the shade at a temperature not exceeding 45°C.

Boxwood preparations have antipyretic, antibacterial, and effects. Often, an infusion of leaves is taken orally at elevated temperatures and inflammation of the biliary and urinary tracts.

As an external remedy, boxwood is used for and for the treatment of the head. Take an infusion orally (1/2 teaspoon of dried leaves per glass of boiling water) - 1/3 cup three times a day.

Attention! Overdose is dangerous.

For external use, 50 g of fresh leaves are infused for 2 weeks in 0.5 liters of 45% alcohol; the infusion is rubbed into the scalp.

A mixture of boxwood leaves (110 g, taken in a ratio of 5:6) is also used, which is infused for two weeks in 1 liter of 60% alcohol and also used for rubbing.

Traditional medicine recipes are listed here; it is also advisable to consider the possibility of creating an antihypertensive drug, which will certainly expand the possibilities of treating arterial hypertension and other diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Andrey Ryabokon

Magazine "Provisor" issue No. 8 for 2005

Boxwood (buxus) – evergreen, slow-growing, shade-tolerant plant. Depending on the type, the tree reaches a height of 2 to 12 meters. It has densely leafy shoots with opposite, round, dark green leaves. The plant has gained popularity due to its decorative crown and shiny foliage. But it should be remembered that all parts of the plant are poisonous.

The agricultural technology for growing boxwood is quite simple. The plant does not require a certain temperature and humidity; it thrives in open areas and in partial shade.

Benefit.

Ancient healers used the medicinal properties of boxwood to treat coughs, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, fever, and malaria. Currently, preparations based on boxwood are prohibited by traditional medicine due to its toxicity, since it is difficult to guess the dosage. Exceeding the dose may cause seizures and death. But homeopaths successfully use boxwood to treat rheumatism.

In addition to its magical properties, boxwood is used by designers to decorate a site. Looks good in a single planting, in the design of curtains and hedges. Boxwood is a slow-growing tree, but eventually reaches 12-15 m in height. This fact should be taken into account and a spacious area should be chosen for planting so that the boxwood does not shade other plants in the future.

Due to the fact that the crown of boxwood is easy to trim, you can create beautiful living figures from it. Evergreen tall trees are planted in unsightly places to mask the flaws of the site. For border decoration, creating hedges and decorating parterres, low-growing varieties are used.

Landing.

No special knowledge is required to plant boxwood. Three-year-old plants can be replanted at any time of the year. It is better to choose autumn for planting young plants. When choosing seedlings, you should give preference to container options. It is necessary to pay attention to the condition of the foliage and shoots. Signs of a healthy plant are lush and green foliage. Yellowing of the leaves indicates the imminent death of the plant.

Planting is carried out in cloudy weather. In the prepared area, you should dig holes that will be slightly wider in diameter than the earthen ball. It is easier to focus on the size of the container in which the seedling was purchased. If you plan to create a hedge, you will need to dig a wide and deep ditch.

The planting hole must be cleared of any remaining building materials, sand and yellow loam must be removed. The bottom of the trench is covered with a layer of compost and mixed with the soil using a pitchfork. When preparing seedlings, you should pay attention to the roots: they should not stick out in different directions.

Before planting, the plant and container are immersed in water so that the roots are saturated with moisture. The planted plants are covered with earth. When choosing the planting depth, you need to take into account subsequent trampling, because when the soil near the seedling is compacted, the stem neck will go down. You need to make a small depression near the trunk so that after watering the water does not spread to the sides. After planting, boxwood is watered abundantly.

Care.

The shrub does not require special attention, but there are some nuances, if observed, you can grow a hedge or decorate the area with intricate figures.

Air humidity and temperature.

Not all types of boxwood tolerate harsh winters well. When the thermometer drops below -20 °C, an uncovered plant may die. Therefore, the main condition for good cultivation and preservation of the variety is timely mulching of the soil in the tree trunk circle and covering the boxwood for the winter. You can protect the tree from frost and temperature changes by wrapping the bush with non-woven material. You can use burlap for this. It protects the bush from the wind and protects the foliage from the bright rays of the sun in frosty weather. Depending on the climate, it is recommended to choose frost-resistant varieties and plant trees in protected areas.

You cannot use plastic film to cover boxwood. If you wrap a bush in cellophane, condensation will form inside, parts of the plant will begin to rot and the plant will die.

Watering.

Potted plants require daily watering; separately growing trees need additional moisture only in dry summers. Precipitation helps replenish the lack of moisture. If it doesn’t rain for a long time, boxwood is watered generously once a month. The soil in the tree trunk circle needs to be loosened and weeded to remove weeds. The plant loves water treatments, so a short shower will benefit it. You should only shower boxwood early in the morning or in the evening. It is at this time that the scorching rays of the sun are absent, and they will not be able to burn the delicate foliage of the trees.

Lighting.

Shade is not a problem for boxwood, so it can also be grown in shaded areas. In addition, it tolerates proximity well to other shrubs and trees. Direct sunlight can cause damage to the plant, so when choosing a place for planting, you should choose a semi-shaded area or create artificial shade for the shrub.

Feeding.

Boxwood grows well in fertile, nutritious soil. Fertilizing with organic fertilizers should be carried out after the planted seedling has completely taken root. Plants begin to be fed from the second year after planting. In the spring you need to apply complex fertilizers, which include potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. In autumn, fertilize with superphosphate and potassium salt.

Trimming and decorative haircut.

You need to prune in the second year after planting. Boxwood is trimmed once a month from May to August. During this period, the most active growth of the bush is observed. To give the plant the desired geometric shape, special tools are used. During subsequent cutting, you only need to adjust the shape by removing protruding shoots.

Frequent trimming of boxwood trees should be accompanied by fertilization and watering. Thus, the loss of nutrients is replenished. In addition, the plant will not begin to shed its leaves.

Haircutting tools.

Special scissors for cutting boxwood They have short blades, so cutting with them is very convenient. The blades of the scissors must be sharp. Otherwise, they will always slide off and disrupt the integrity of the escape.

Cordless hedge trimmer convenient for cutting. If there are only 2-3 bushes growing on the site, there is no point in buying an expensive tool; you can use ordinary scissors. Only an experienced gardener can trim with an electric hedge trimmer, while a beginner is better off using mechanical tools.

Sheep shears suitable for pruning non-lignified shoots. This tool is convenient to use for processing the contours of shapes. Recommended for regular haircuts.

Boxwood balls.

You can get a beautiful boxwood ball even without a special tool. You can do this. First, on the spherical crown, a horizontal “equator” should be cut in a circle, then 4 paths - “meridians”, which are located in the vertical direction. Now you should move some distance away and see if the lines are straight. If the paths have no flaws, you only need to trim the remaining branches.

To make the task easier, you can use a cardboard template. First you need to measure the diameter of the ball using an inch ruler. Then take a felt-tip pen and tie a cord to its end, the length of which should be equal to half the diameter of the ball. Now you need to fix the measured length of the cord on the cardboard. This can be done using your thumb and index finger, or using a wide eyed needle. Now all that remains is to draw a semicircle with a felt-tip pen and cut out the template. The finished semicircle should be attached to the boxwood and all branches protruding beyond the template should be cut off.

It's only the first cut that's difficult. All subsequent procedures are carried out regularly and consist only of trimming the contours.

Boxwood propagation.

Reproduction begins in summer and autumn. Boxwood cuttings take root well. Only 20% of planted cuttings may not take root. To avoid losses, you need to know which cuttings are suitable for propagation and how to root correctly.

Choosing the time for cuttings.

The active growth period of boxwood begins in April and ends in September. Once a month during the growing season, trimming is required. Cuttings can be rooted throughout the season. But it should be taken into account that if planted in August or September, they may die over the winter. Some cuttings taken from an adult plant in April and May may not take root, since the growing season is in full swing and they have not had time to ripen.

The most suitable time for cuttings is June and July. At this time, the cuttings take root well, and the seedlings have time to take root, build up their root system and withstand the winter more easily.

Preparing cuttings for planting.

The success of rooting depends on the preparation of cuttings for planting. They should be ripe, but not lignified. Cuttings should be cut with a sharp garden knife at an angle of 45 °C, thus increasing the area of ​​root formation. All leaves need to be removed, leaving only 2-3 pieces. at the very top. This procedure helps reduce moisture evaporation. The lower part of the cutting can be dipped in the rooting solution.

Preparing containers and soil mixture for rooting cuttings.

You can root cuttings in pots, boxes, cut plastic bottles. The depth of the container should be such that the bottom of the planted cuttings does not touch the bottom of the container.

Holes should be made in prepared containers to allow water to drain and filled with soil. The cuttings should be stuck into the soil, leaving only part of the petiole with leaves on the surface. After planting the cuttings, you should not water the soil, you can only moisten it. After this, you need to cover the containers with a bag or glass.

Caring for cuttings.

Care consists of timely moistening the soil and ventilating the mini-greenhouse. During rooting, the cuttings should not touch each other or the shelter. Failure to comply with this rule will result in the cutting starting to rot and die. Root formation will occur in 2 weeks, and after a month the cuttings will be completely rooted. Now the greenhouse can be opened and watered as needed.

Correct planting of cuttings in a permanent place.

Rooted seedlings can be planted in a permanent place after 2 months from the start of rooting. By this time, they have formed a fairly developed root system. Boxwood develops well on fertile, permeable and moist soils, a little worse on poor ones. Therefore, the soil must be fertilized with compost. Planted seedlings cannot be fed in the first month after planting. Watering should be regular, since drying out the earthen coma can destroy the plant.

Preparing for winter.

Young seedlings need to be prepared for winter. In autumn, it is recommended to mulch the soil near the boxwood: put fallen leaves, compost, and sprinkle with peat. To prevent the seedlings from dying in severe frost, you need to cover them with burlap or agrofibre, having first built a frame from available material. Spruce branches are suitable for insulation, as they retain heat well, allow air to pass through, and prevent plants from drying out when the air temperature rises.

For mulching, you cannot use crushed oak bark, painted pine shavings, or pine sawdust. They help lower the pH level of the soil.

Types of boxwood.

The Boxwood family includes about 30 species of plants, each of which differs in growth intensity, bark color, distribution area, shape and color of leaves. Gardeners prefer to grow common or evergreen boxwood. It is better to choose Chinese low-growing varieties as tub plants.

Boxwood is evergreen.

Natural growing conditions are the Mediterranean countries and the Caucasus. It develops well both in a brightly lit area and in partial shade. Evergreen boxwood has protruding, straight, densely leafy, tetrahedral shoots. Leaves vary in shape. The top is dark green and the bottom is light green. It blooms with small greenish flowers. Evergreen boxwood is practically not damaged by pests and diseases. When starting a variety, it is worth remembering that all parts of boxwood are poisonous.

The dwarf shrub, unlike the evergreen boxwood, is more resistant to low temperatures and tolerates even the harshest winters. The decorative and compact shape of the crown of small-leaved boxwood has made this species popular among gardeners.

A fast-growing large species with leaves reaching a length of 5 cm. It is common in countries with warm climates, as it does not tolerate harsh winters.

Pests, diseases and their control.

For humans, boxwood is a poisonous plant, but for insects the harmful components do not pose a danger, so trees are sometimes damaged by pests and susceptible to diseases.

Spider mite and boxwood gall midge.

Insects lay their eggs on the shoots of the plant. After some time, the voracious larvae begin to feed on leaf tissue. To combat insects, plants are treated with chemicals, regularly trimmed, fallen leaves are collected and burned.

FungusVoluttlla buxi.

A sign of necrosis is the death of shoots. First, the tips of the plants begin to dry out, then small spots appear on the leaves, growing into huge spots, and then sporangia - pink-orange dots - form on them. You can fight the fungus with fungicides. Regular inspection of plants and subsequent pruning of shoots with obvious signs of disease also provide effectiveness.

Creating favorable conditions for the development of plants, which consist of regular watering and timely fertilizing, will avoid boxwood diseases and help grow a beautiful “boxwood paradise.”

The fact that trees can have a beneficial effect on our body and mood has been known since ancient times. There is even a direction dendrotherapy- treatment using trees of various species. The ancient Egyptians had wooden amulets that were worn around the neck and protected their owners from misfortune. According to Indian yogis, trees seem to absorb prana coming from the Cosmos, and then feed a person with it. Different tree species have different energetic properties: they feed energy, relieve inflammation, promote mutual feelings, and protect. It is not for nothing that at all times people gained strength from oak, spruce gave off “bad” energy, and drew “good” energy from pine. The impact of wood bioenergy can be quite strong. Even a small piece of wood of one type or another has a beneficial effect on the human body and improves its well-being.
The Celtic priests, the Druids, attached particular importance to the mysticism of the tree. It was believed that each person corresponds to a certain type of tree. If such a correspondence is correctly established, it is possible to correct a person’s fate and effectively carry out his healing. Exists Druid horoscope, where trees correspond to calendar periods:

In addition, there is a correspondence between the energy of trees and the planets of the solar system, and accordingly to the signs of the zodiac:

Here are the magical and bioenergetic properties of some trees and shrubs:

Apricot is a tree - a donor with feeding energy. Protects against infidelity and unnecessary stress in love relationships.

Acacia- a donor tree with powerful feeding energy. Acacia is a tree that gives birth to life. It is she who is asked to give birth to a child.

Bamboo controls outbursts of aggression in a person, influences the meaningfulness of actions, the sequence of actions and events in people’s lives.

Birch-female tree. Symbol of fertility. Helps improve vision, normalizes water balance and has a beneficial effect on the lymphatic system, activates kidney function. Constant communication with her relieves anxiety, fears and nightmares. This tree relieves fatigue, neutralizes the negative effects of everyday stress, and helps restore mental harmony. Birch is considered a sunny, pure tree that brings happiness, light, and joy to any home.

Hawthorn has a powerful protective effect. Relieves anxiety, improves appetite and blood circulation. Hawthorn is considered a symbol of hope and marriage. Hawthorn is especially useful in protective and love magic.

Elder. Our ancestors believed that the elderberry contained great magical power, and of a different nature. It has active protective properties. Elderberry has a calming effect.

Beech-symbol of knowledge. Helps broaden your horizons by learning from others. Will help you be more tolerant of others, allowing them to live their own lives. Increases resistance to stress and the ability to concentrate, and also improves blood circulation.

Cherry is a talisman of magical meetings, contacts, and romantic adventures.

Elm- a tree for active people, but who rely too much on their own strength. Elm teaches its owner to find like-minded people who will be happy to help him in all his endeavors and lead him to victory. Protects against rash actions that may be tempted by envious people and ill-wishers.

Hornbeam has the ability to dispel illusions. This tree is perfect for people who are very exhausted at work or at home. Hornbeam promotes a realistic view of the world around you and your abilities. The hornbeam will help you coordinate your actions and understand the illusory nature of some plans about the future. Gives strength in everyday life, helps to part with ridiculous ideas, prejudices and fantasies. Hornbeam has a beneficial effect on dreamers and romantics who lack the strength and desire to act.

Pear- a talisman of luck, the favor of fortune, providing many pleasant and useful opportunities. It adds charm to the owner, the ability to please even those who do not tolerate him very well.

Oak- a sign of hardness, power, masculine strength. It is an anti-stress agent, which, in addition, activates blood circulation, normalizes blood pressure and shortens the recovery period from illness. Oak stands out among other plants as generators of positive energy. Oak - treats the liver, genitourinary system, helps eliminate congestion in many organs. Relieves toothache. Communication with him is more indicated for men than for women.

Spruce- like the oak, a sacred tree, it is also a symbol of longevity and health. Its effect is indicated for swelling and pain syndromes, nervous disorders and depression.

Jasmine- a talisman against sudden, unexpected bad meetings, incidents and acquaintances. A guide in love affairs, bringing success to the opposite sex.

Willow. This tree has enormous magical powers. This is more of a female tree. Slavic girls used willow as a love spell. This is a symbol of weakness, tenderness, girlish grace, tranquility, the need for constancy and connection. Relieves melancholy and sadness.

Figs- a talisman against wrong decisions and incorrect, unreliable information. Teaches attentiveness, analysis, the ability to compare facts, and draw the right conclusions. It protects against rash statements and forces you to pay attention to the form of your manifestation.

Elm- returns the meaning of life and restores strength. There are moments when the goal of our life loses all its charm, reality seems meaningless, and the dream seems unattainable. Elm will help cope with this problem. It has the ability to restore strength and confidence. Elm will ease the oncoming depression.

Chestnut treats rheumatic diseases and insomnia, relieves nervous tension and, according to ancient wisdom, even drives away fears. Normalizes cardiovascular activity, has the ability to strengthen the body’s overall immunity and nervous system.

Cedar has a beneficial effect on any person and, in particular, on people susceptible to nervous disorders, stress and insomnia, as well as people suffering from disorders of the cardiovascular system and respiratory system. Cedar lives for five hundred and fifty years, accumulating the light energy of the Cosmos and at the right moment gives it to a person.

Cypress- a predominantly male tree, affects the sexual strength of men, sexual activity and not only enhances potency in healthy men, but also heals weak ones. Cypress does not perceive the female body, but through a man it brings harmony and novelty to family relationships.

Maple protects against harshness, relieves stress, helps to find common ground with other people. Gives strength, peace, balance, liberates from boiling passions. Protects the owner from unfair attacks and unnecessary claims from others. In addition, it can very actively correct the owner’s bad character, if, of course, he believes that he has one.

Buckthorn symbolizes humility, purity and innocence. Protects against negative energy. In magic it is used to remove spells and conspiracies.

Hazel (hazel) warns against rash actions and deeds, teaches insight and subtlety of perception. Helps get rid of excess authoritarianism. Promotes rapid recovery of strength.

Linden relieves stress, prevents unnecessary energy expenditure and protects against uninvited intrusions. In addition, it will help with inflammation of the pelvic organs and stomach disorders.

Larch. It is called a calming tree, or more precisely, a tree of enlightenment of the mind. If fears, doubts, and causeless anxiety stubbornly haunt you, contact with larch will bring relief, which will help you understand the true nature of human actions, especially those close to you. It fills a person with optimism. Eliminates melancholy and depression. Larch is a good anti-inflammatory tree. Recommended for people with respiratory diseases: such as bronchitis, asthma, etc. Helps with women's diseases.

Olive is a talisman against stress, overexertion, wrong actions, as well as the inability to quickly and clearly make the right decision. Helps you achieve harmony with yourself and satisfaction with your own destiny.

Juniper has strong cleansing potential. But its power is mainly directed not at people, but at the objects around us. It can cleanse an unfavorable aura in an apartment, and has a great effect on “evil” things, even jewelry. For a person, juniper can also be a great help in removing the evil eye or damage, and helps get rid of the effects of a love spell.

Alder. It helps especially well as a talisman for women, making them graceful and charming. It strengthens family ties, unites all family members, and tends to unite people into a clan. This is a tree for women - the guardians of the hearth, the tree of the “big house”. Alder will help you “tie” your husband to your home.

Nut- tree of victory over external circumstances. Helps to quickly restore strength. Provides many loyal companions. Makes a person resilient in the most unexpected situations.

Aspen– a tree that absorbs negative energy. It has the ability to relieve various pains (headache, dental pain, radiculitis, osteochondrosis) and cure various tumors. It will cleanse your aura of harmful influences. Communication with aspen helps with nervous conditions, obsessive thoughts, and causeless fear. But do not be too zealous in using its healing properties. Aspen also has powerful vampiric abilities, sucking energy during long contacts.

Fir eliminates depressed mood, helps to calmly survive the “dark streak” of life, increases endurance and vitality. It has a healing effect on the respiratory system, increases immunity, enhances visual acuity, and increases blood pressure during hypotension.

Rowan protects from the evil eye and damage, evil will. It is believed that rowan sharpens perception and develops the gift of foresight. Effectively cleanses the body of waste and toxins. For people who are easily excitable and nervous, it can be a soft source of energy. Contact with rowan can awaken the sexuality dormant in a woman. For mountain ash, the favorite female age is about 40 years. She gives such women a particularly warm autumn in love, full of strength.

Boxwood- an unusual tree. Strict and strong, wise and impetuous at the same time. Boxwood is used to make protective amulets against evil forces. It protects sleep and protects against energy vampirism.

Plum- This is an excellent talisman against accidents and against attacks on property. Teaches its owner not to get hung up on situations that disturb his vanity and not to be aggressive towards those who wish them well, but for this he chooses an emotional form of influence, forcing him to react with both reason and emotions.

Pine calms, relieves mental stress. It has a beneficial effect on the heart and respiratory organs, normalizes blood composition, and gives vigor. An excellent assistant for those who want to lose weight. Pine can cleanse a person’s aura from outside influences and partially remove damage. In the old days, it was believed that the smell of pine helped to get rid of feelings of guilt.

Rose hip responsible for the emotional side of love. Brings tenderness, spiritual passion, unity of souls into relationships. If you often fail, he will help you.

Apple tree-the tree of female power, female sexuality, awakens the sensual side of nature in a woman. She is more willing to share her powers with young girls. Under the influence of the energy of the apple tree, a girl can imagine the image of an ideal man suitable for her, and in a dream see her betrothed. The influence of the apple tree is very necessary for young, inexperienced and insecure girls. The apple tree is a tree with powerful nourishing energy.

Ash helps to achieve crystal clarity of consciousness and make the right decision in a difficult situation. Ash personifies the connection between what is above and what is below, that is, the connection between the world of gods and the world of people or the spiritual world and the material world. It helps to understand our purpose, sometimes its energy awakens the ability to clairvoyance, allows us to know the future, but it helps only those who are sincere in their desire for knowledge. Ash - will help you find inspiration.

Boxwood evergreen is a long-standing plant, this plant is a southern low tree or shrub, family Boxwood. It is distinguished by a taproot, developed root system, a short curved trunk, which can be covered with gray-yellow bark and straight tetrahedral shoots. Boxwood leaves are small in size, leathery, and placed on short petioles. The flowers are unisexual, inconspicuous, greenish-yellow in color, can be collected in pistils or spikelets, and are located in the axils of the leaves. The plant begins to bloom in early spring.

Description of boxwood evergreen

The fruit of the plant is a triangular capsule; when it opens, it releases black seeds to the sides. In addition to the seed method of propagation, there may also be a cutting method. Boxwood has a unique smell that is hard to miss, especially if you rub the leaves in your hand. The plant loves moisture very much, therefore calcareous soils are suitable for it, it is not afraid of winter, but still, warmth suits it best. This is a fairly strong plant; it is not afraid of various pests and diseases.

Most often it grows in the European part, on the northern coast of the sea, and also in England and Germany; you can find it in the North and South of America, Africa, and Turkey. Also, evergreen boxwood is characteristic of all of Ukraine, growing both in the Crimea and the Northern regions.

Ancient Greek doctors noticed that evergreen boxwood has many beneficial properties. Aphrodite had a flute made from evergreen boxwood. They could also use it to prepare special amulets against evil forces; with its help it was possible to ward off evil spirits that tormented them at night. To do this, it was advised to place a sprig of the plant under the pillow, this way you could ensure a restful and healthy sleep. In the modern world, Adygea considers boxwood a sacred tree.

The tree is a plastic species, therefore experiments are often carried out on it, it is used for topiary, artists can create extraordinary masterpieces from this plant, because it is one of the best decorations for parks and gardens.

The heavy wood of boxwood is used in the carpentry industry. You can grow this plant even in a room; there are small copies designed specifically for flowerpots.

But one of the main properties that evergreen boxwood has had since ancient times is medicinal; preparations from it were used for disorders in the gastrointestinal tract, for coughs. It is good to use for malaria; it is on par with a substance such as quinine. The bark and leaves of the plant are most valued.

Despite the fact that evergreen boxwood easily adapts to both heat and shade and can withstand severe frost, gardeners still recommend hiding it, because harsh winter winds can harm it. Therefore, if the plant grows in tubs, it needs to be put indoors for the winter, but not residential, because it has a sharp and unpleasant odor that can harm a person, especially those who suffer from various allergic reactions.

In Western Europe and the Caucasus, boxwood branches are used on Christian holidays such as Palm Sunday and Easter.

Useful properties of evergreen boxwood

All parts are rich in such alkaloids - buxipin, buxin, cyclocoreanine B, parabuxin. It also contains resin, tannin and bioflavonoids.

Official medicine does not use this type of plant due to the fact that it is very poisonous.

Evergreen boxwood has a hypotensive, diuretic, diaphoretic, and antiseptic effect.

China uses the drug to treat arrhythmias. An infusion of evergreen boxwood leaves is one of the best painkillers. Externally, medications based on boxwood can be prescribed for seborrhea and alopecia. In homeopathy, the plant is used to treat wounds, non-healing wounds, helminthic infestations, and rheumatism. Compresses soaked in a decoction of boxwood leaves help relieve joint pain; this decoction can also be used to wash wounds and abrasions that are infected.

Traditional healers believe that evergreen boxwood not only protects against the evil eye, but also helps make dreams come true and gives a person extraordinary abilities.

For rheumatism, you need to prepare a special infusion based on evergreen boxwood, for this you need to take 15 leaves of the plant and a glass of water. It is very important to first finely chop the leaves, pour boiling water over them, and leave for up to two hours. Then apply compresses to the affected areas.

With the help of this type of plant you can cure dandruff, for this medicine you will need the leaves of the plant, you need to squeeze out the juice from them, then rub it thoroughly into the hair roots, hold for at least 20 minutes, and wash with warm water.

Contraindications for boxwood evergreen

The plant is poisonous, so it is advised to take it with caution. If side effects such as loose stools, vomiting, convulsions, difficulty breathing, skin problems, etc. occur, you should urgently call emergency help, because if assistance is not provided in a timely manner, respiratory arrest and sudden death may occur.