The spherical shape of Populus tomentosa

The following is a guide for seedling farmers on how to prune a potted boxwood to a height of about 30 cm. The same can be done for ground-grown boxwood.

materials required for

1 unpruned potted Buxus chinensis, about 45 cm in height and circumference, dense and well-proportioned. Sharp trimmer.

pruning method

1. In early summer, place potted boxwood in a place with plenty of light.

2. Observe carefully and estimate how many times you have to prune to get a spherical boxwood about 30 cm high.

3. Freehand operation, uniform movement, first according to the size of the perimeter cut out a horizontal band. Be careful not to cut too deep at the beginning and trim further if necessary. (Figure A)

4. Turn the trimmer upside down and use the opposite side of the trimmer to trim curves on the plant. Trim top of plant, determining upper curve of globose. (Figure B)

5. Turn the shears down and flip them over again so they are facing the plant. Cut off excess branches and leaves at the top and middle of the plant.

6. Follow the shape of the top half of the plant and trim the branches and leaves of the bottom half of the plant to the soil. This way, the trimmed ball will look like it was placed on a basin (Figure C).

7. Sweep your hand back and forth on the spherical boxwood to sweep away the trimmed branches and leaves.

8. Turn the potted boxwood back and forth to examine the trimmed sphere and step back a few steps to see if the sphere is symmetrical. If it needs to be trimmed, trim it slightly before viewing it. There may be gaps in the surface of the sphere, especially in the upper part, which can only be filled by new branches and leaves.

9. Trim once or twice in the summer of the following year, in the middle or late summer.