What am I doing Wrong?

I have grown at least six Kingsville Boxwoods through the years, and although they flourish in their original container (for years), they die after I've repotted. I just had one die which I had repotted this past spring. I have one left that I purchased during the auction at the Ashville, NC annual show 3 years ago. It is growing very well, but it is becoming obvious that I will need to repot next year. I follow the typical routine in potting: spring, before buds break, out of the wind, well-draining bonsai soil, protection after repotting. Boxwoods are the one species I kill consistently. Any suggestions? Thanks,

The only thing you are doing wrong is trying to grow Kingsville boxwoods. There is some sort of disease going around. In your case the disease may be in your tools or potting soil. Every time you buy a new one you are bringing in more germs. After 20 years success mine died one after another. Ordering new ones was fatal. I gave up and switched to Nia. They don't call it Neea buxifolia for nothing.
Iris

bonsaisr wrote:The only thing you are doing wrong is trying to grow Kingsville boxwoods.
Iris

As I've noted before, Iris has a singular wit that often makes me laugh.

But she is correct Box blight is spreading all around the country, I have also read here and there that Kingsville's are fussy though I don't keep any to tell you for sure..

-Jay

Thanks, I don't feel so badly now.

Caorlee
For some unknown reason there are some trees that I just can not keep, and some that I can and do well with! Some times I admit defeat and just don't try to keep ones that can not, but usually after a significant monitary loss
My best advice to concentrate on the ones your good with and forget the ones you can't !

Mitch

Hi Carolee,

Living in Minnesota zone 4 is a challenge, but knowing how to winter your varieties of bonsai is imperative. My boxwood have thrived and I have many different kinds. One thing I learned is the boxwood needs a dormancy period so they are kept in my cold room for the winter and NOT treated like tropicals under lights. I've talked to many people who have had problems with their Kingsvilles and this is a huge factor.

I only repot when it is warm enough to put the bonsai out and all of my boxwoods prefer garden shade. Also the Kingsvilles use regular soil mix and not fine!

I hope you don't give up but if there is a problem with a blight .... our last club master, Rodney Clemons, an expert on boxwoods could be consulted.

Hope this helps.. good luck!

Norma