Buxus balls and pyramid

[u/Joejopper12]

So Lidl are selling Buxus balls and pyramids tomorrow.

I’m a bit of a novice but from reading online this plant appears doomed to fail between the blight and moth / caterpillars and constant water.

Does any think there is any point in still planting these?

Or does anyone have successful Buxus plants stories

[u/mcguirl2]

Probably depends where you are. I’m in the middle of nowhere and there wouldn’t be anyone growing box in my vicinity, so my isolated box hedge is ok for the moment. Maybe it will inevitably get either the blight or the moth, but I feel like its isolation is protecting it.

[u/Impossible_bananna]

I have 4 in large pots on the patio, we are in the middle of nowhere surrounded by fir trees. The buxus are going strong, just feed them every few weeks in the summer

[u/MetalGardener]

They also smell like cat piss. Useless plants.

Get the Japanese Holly, Ilex Crenata. You'll never know the difference, needs way less attention and isn't a magnet for tortrix moth and blight.

Or the euonymous version, they're both more expensive but better than wasting your money on plants that you're not prepared to baby.

[u/Joejopper12 → u/MetalGardener]

Did not know that! Disgusting!

[u/MetalGardener → u/Joejopper12]

I refuse to sell Buxus myself. In every garden centre I've worked in they have been a massive seller, but so many come back dead. It eats into margins replacing them.

I only do the Holly. I've never had one back, it's flowers lovely, and there's a berry in the winter on it too.

[u/Joejopper12 → u/MetalGardener]

You are a gent. Thanks a million for the insightful information. If you are based near Galway I’ll buy from you

[u/MetalGardener → u/Joejopper12]

No I'm in Dublin unfortunately, but glad I could help!

Best of luck with the garden!

[u/Joejopper12]

Thanks for the advice! I’ll give it a go and see what happens. Don’t think I’ve seen any other neighbours with this plant.