Thunderbolt Golden Box Honeysuckle - 2 Gallon Pot

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How To Test Soil pH  

Soil pH is a measurement of the alkalinity or acidity of soil and is measured on a scale of 1-14, with 7 as the neutral mark. Any measurement below 7 indicates acid soil conditions, and anything above 7 indicates alkaline. 

If you're unsure about the pH of your soil, and whether or not it's suitable for growing Box Leaf Honeysuckle, it's a good idea to test the soil pH in the planting area. You can quickly test soil pH with an inexpensive soil pH tester probe. To raise the pH (make more alkaline) you can add pelletized limestone to the soil. To lower the pH (make more acid) you can apply Soil Sulfur, Aluminum Sulfate, or Chelated Iron. Adding organic compost to the soil or using compost as mulch can also help to increase acidity and maintain acid soil conditions.

Learn More: What is Soil pH and How To Adjust It?

Before filling your container with the soil mix, I recommend lining the bottom of the pot with shade cloth or a porous landscape fabric. This will keep the drain holes from becoming clogged with roots and soil. Gravel at the bottom of the pot doesn't work well as roots can grow through it and clog drain holes.

To remove your plant from the container it was growing in, firmly grasp the base of the plant with your fingertips and gently try to lift and remove it from its container. Be careful not to damage your plant when removing it from the pot. If the root ball is stuck in the pot it's best to use a snipping tool to cut the container away. After having removed the plant from the container, gently loosen some feeder roots around the surface of the root ball.

Pour a small amount of your soil mixture in the bottom of the container. Set your plant in the container and make necessary adjustments by adding or removing some soil so that the top edge of the root ball will sit approximately 1" below the rim of the container.

Box leaf Honeysuckle shrubs will benefit from fertilization, especially when being pruned or sheared frequently. Fertilize them in spring with a slow-release shrub & tree food, preferably one that contains Sulfur and/or Iron for deep greening. Alternatively, you can feed with a natural organic plant food. To avoid stimulating new growth that could be damaged by an early frost, cease fertilization two months prior to the average first frost date in your area.

Feed boxwood growing in pots, planters or other containers as directed on the product label with a slow release granular fertilizer or water-soluble fertilizer listed for use in containers. 

Soil pH is a measurement of the alkalinity or acidity of soil, which is measured on a scale of 1-14, with 7 as the neutral mark. Any measurement below 7 indicates acid soil conditions, and anything above 7 indicates alkaline.

Box Leaf Honeysuckle will grow in an acid to alkaline soil ranging from 4.5 to 8.0 on the pH scale. Most average garden soils fall between a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. 

If you're unsure about the pH of your soil, and whether or not it's suitable for growing Box Leaf Honeysuckle, it's a good idea to test the soil pH in the planting area. You can quickly test soil pH with an inexpensive soil pH tester probe. To raise the pH (make more alkaline) you can add pelletized limestone to the soil. To lower the pH (make more acid) you can apply Soil Sulfur, Aluminum Sulfate, or Chelated Iron. Adding organic compost to the soil or using compost as mulch can also help to increase acidity and maintain acid soil conditions.

Learn More:  About Soil pH And How To Test & Adjust It

When young, Box Leaf Honeysuckle will require some water to establish a healthy root system. When established plants will tolerate dry periods though will appreciate an occasional deep soaking during prolonged drought.  As with so many other ornamental plants, Box Leaf Honeysuckle does not like a constantly soggy or wet soil conditions, which can lead to root rot and other harmful plant diseases. So be careful to avoid overwatering them!

Immediately after planting deep soak the soil in the planting area, including the root ball, to a depth equal to the height of the root ball. For an extra boost, you can water your newly planted Boxwood with a solution of Root Stimulator, which stimulates early root formation, stronger root development, reduces plant shock and promotes greener, more vigorous plants.

In average garden soil you should not have to water your newly planted Box leaf Honeysuckle every day. More often than not, this causes soggy soil conditions that can lead to root rot and other harmful plant diseases. In the absence of sufficient rainfall, water only as needed to keep the root ball and surrounding soil damp to moist. Keep in mind that deep soaking less frequently, allowing the soil to dry out somewhat before watering again, is much better than splashing just a little water on the plants every day. Shrubs planted during the winter dormant season, when plants are not actively growing and evaporation is much slower, will require much less water. Therefore, be extra careful not to overwater during winter!

When established, only during drought will Box Leaf Honeysuckle plants require supplemental water. If you see new leaves wilting or the tips of new stems bending over during dry weather this could be a sign your plants could use a good deep soaking.

Selective pruning to remove a stray or damaged branch can be performed any time of year. 

Shearing plants to form shapes or hedges can be performed almost any time of year. However, to avoid damaging new growth that typically emerges after pruning, cease pruning two months prior to the average first frost date in your area. When plants have gone dormant for winter pruning can resume. 

Heavy pruning to create topiary shapes should be performed when the plant is in winter dormancy (not actively growing).

Use a sharp pair of bypass hand pruners to selectively remove stray, damaged or dead branches. Make your cut at a point along the branch just above the main form of the plant. Remove dead branches to a point a couple inches below their point of origin.

Hedge trimmers, clippers or shears can be used throughout the active growing season to shape plants. It is best to lightly shear plants more regularly rather than to infrequently take off large amounts of foliage that might leave the shrub looking bare for quite some time.