Taking care of your boxwood can be a simple task with the right fertilizer. Whether your boxwood lives an indoor life or is thriving outdoors, there is the best fertilizer for your boxwoods!
Scotts Evergreen, Flowering Tree & Shrub Continuous Release Plant Food delivers on everything your boxwood may need. With its high levels of nitrogen, Scotts’ formula is excellent for promoting a boxwood’s lush evergreen foliage. It also helps the development of strong roots and is a safe no-burn option for light feeders like boxwoods.
Among the many other best fertilizers for boxwoods, FoxFarm Marine Cuisine Dry Fertilizer is a well-deserving runner up. This fertilizer combines the quality you would expect of a premium product with great eco-friendly credentials. It also has a great NPK balance that is perfect for a boxwood.
Check out my top 7 best fertilizers for boxwoods here:
- Best Overall: Scotts Evergreen, Flowering Tree & Shrub Continuous Release Plant Food
- Best Indoor Fertilizer: Miracle-Gro Tree & Shrub Plant Food Spikes
- Best Organic: Down To Earth All Natural Tree & Shrub Fertilizer Mix
- Best No Mess: Jobe’s Evergreen Fertilizer Spikes
- Best Premium: FoxFarm Marine Cuisine Dry Fertilizer
- Best Budget-Friendly: Espoma Organic Tree-Tone Fertilizer
- Best Multi-Use: Miracle-Gro Shake ‘N Feed Flowering Trees and Shrubs Plant Food
Keep reading to find out all the details about the best fertilizer for boxwoods indoor and outdoor.
Product Reviews
Best Overall: Scotts Evergreen, Flowering Tree & Shrub Continuous Release Plant Food
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Scotts Evergreen, Flowering Tree & Shrub Continuous Release Plant Food is great for boxwoods – and many other evergreen plants too!
This slow release fertilizer can keep your boxwoods fed for up to 2 months. Many users have reported a huge difference in the health and appearance of their evergreen shrubs and trees after just one month.
The 11 – 7 – 7 NPK ratio is particularly ideal for boxwoods, especially as a fertilizer which provides an equal balance of phosphorus and potassium can be hard to find. Scotts’ formula encourages the strong root growth and lush foliage which the evergreen boxwood needs to survive and thrive.
Scotts plant food also promises not to leave your plants scorched and provides clear instructions on each pack to help you get your fertilizing right.
Key Features:
- Indoor or outdoor use: Can be used both indoors and outdoors, but it is designed for outdoor use.
- NPK: 11 – 7 – 7
- Type: Granular
- Organic: No
- Smell: Limited smell.
- Multi-use: Yes – this fertilizer is great for all evergreens, many flowering trees and acid-loving plants like camellias or azaleas too.
- Vegan: Not stated (but doesn’t contain bone meal).
Who’s It for:
Anyone who likes a multi-use fertilizer that can be used indoors and outdoors on a wide range of plants will love this option. It’s also got an ideal NPK ratio for boxwoods specifically!
Best Indoor Fertilizer: Miracle-Gro Tree & Shrub Plant Food Spikes
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Miracle-Gro’s Tree & Shrub Plant Food Spikes are ideal for indoor boxwoods (and other house-bound trees and shrubs).
These plant food spikes help promote vibrant color and foliage. They are particularly great for evergreens and acid-loving plants like boxwoods. And they are excellent at promoting the strong root growth which healthy plants need.
Like most fertilizer spikes, Miracle-Gro’s are super easy to use – simply insert a spike or two (depending on the size of your plant) into the soil at the plant’s drip line (the outer edge of the leaves, where the roots are most active), at least 2 feet from the center. And the spikes don’t require any measuring – or mess!
Miracle-Gro recommend using their food spikes twice per year (once in the spring and once in the fall).
Key Features:
- Indoor or outdoor use: Good for indoor and outdoor use.
- NPK: 15 – 5 – 10
- Type: Spikes
- Organic: Not stated.
- Smell: No
- Multi-use: Yes – specially formulated for trees, shrubs, evergreens, fruit, citrus and palm trees.
- Vegan: No (contains feather and bone meal).
Who’s It for:
This fertilizer is great for indoor use due to the lack of smell and mess!
Best Organic: Down To Earth All Natural Tree & Shrub Fertilizer Mix
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This All Natural Tree & Shrub Fertilizer Mix from eco-friendly brand Down To Earth is a great option for anyone wanting to both improve the health and growth of their boxwood and not damage the environment in the process.
The mix is very effective and is enhanced with 11 species of mycorrhizal fungi to protect your plant’s roots against stresses like weather shocks and infestations.
Down To Earth’s All Natural Tree Fertilizer is designed to help reduce transplant shock for trees and shrubs, so it’s great for repotting time. It’s also especially good for root development, which is important for roots that grow near the surface, like boxwoods.
Another perk of Down To Earth’s fertilizer mix is that it comes in 100% recycled and unbleached packaging with plant-based inks – so don’t forget to recycle or compostable your packaging after use!
This fertilizer can be used in containers or outdoors. You may need to supplement it with additional phosphorus if your boxwood is struggling to develop a solid root system or is relatively young and underdeveloped (under 2 years old).
Key Features:
- Indoor or outdoor use: Outdoor use.
- NPK: 4 – 2 – 4
- Type: Granular
- Organic: Yes – accredited by the OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute).
- Smell: Due to the fish bone meal, the product does have a distinct smell that makes it less suitable for indoor use.
- Multi-use: Yes – recommended for most trees (including flowering trees), shrubs and vines.
- Vegan: No (contains fish bone meal).
Who’s It for:
Those looking for an eco-friendly and organic product from a conservation-minded brand will love this option.
Best No Mess: Jobe’s Evergreen Fertilizer Spikes
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Jobe’s Evergreen Fertilizer Spikes are the best spike fertilizers targeted at evergreens, like boxwoods.
They offer the slow release of nutrients over a matter of months and are specifically designed for acid-loving evergreens.
The high level of nitrogen is perfect for photosynthesis and the development of dense foliage – which is crucial for evergreens. The spikes help avoid the issue of run-off and ensure that your plant benefits from all of the nutrients with targeted care.
The spikes are really easy to use – just insert a spike or two (check the recommendations for your plant’s size on the pack) around the plant’s drip line where the active roots are. With the clear instructions on the packaging and the simple application it’s hard to go wrong!
For best results, place the spikes 30 inches away from the plant’s center to avoid over-fertilizing – these spikes can damage the roots if used incorrectly. For boxwoods (and other small trees or shrubs), it is recommended to use half a spike.
Key Features:
- Indoor or outdoor use: Outdoor use (spikes need to be 30 inches away from the plant center).
- NPK: 13 – 3 – 4
- Type: Spikes
- Organic: No
- Smell: No
- Multi-use: Yes – designed for all kinds of evergreen trees and shrubs, including cypress, juniper, spruces, firs and more!
- Vegan: Information not provided.
Who’s It for:
Fertilizer spikes are ideal for anyone who likes an easy life. No mess, no measuring and clear instructions too!
Best Premium: FoxFarm Marine Cuisine Dry Fertilizer
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When thinking about best fertilizers for boxwoods, FoxFarm’s Marine Cuisine Dry Fertilizer is a good choice for outdoor boxwoods.
The slow release nutrition offered by this fertilizer is ideal for all evergreens, as well as boxwoods. It’s also good for acid-loving plants and vegetables.
The high level of nitrogen in this fertilizer can help your boxwood develop lovely lush foliage. The equal balance of potassium and phosphorus is also great for boxwoods and will help the root system and the circulation of water, oxygen and nutrients.
This fertilizer is made using organic materials only and is a great option for the environmentally-minded.
Key Features:
- Indoor or outdoor use: Outdoor (due to smell).
- NPK: 10 – 7 – 7
- Type: Granular
- Organic: Yes
- Smell: A slight smell due to the sea creature meal.
- Multi-use: Yes – this super multi-functional fertilizer is great for flowers, vegetable gardens, ornamental trees and shrubs, fruit trees, roses and container plants.
- Vegan: No (contains crab and shrimp meal).
Who’s It for:
FoxFarm’s Marine Cuisine is ideal for boxwoods that need a little TLC. The NPK ratio is great for boxwoods and the slow-release of organic nutrients offered by this product is hard to beat.
Best Budget-Friendly: Espoma Organic Tree-Tone Fertilize
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Espoma’s Organic Tree-Tone Fertilizer is a great product for promoting the growth and health of your boxwood and saving a little money too!
The rich blend of natural ingredients and exclusive Bio-tone formula help to improve the health of the soil, as well as your plant.
This fertilizer is especially great for rescuing lifeless-looking trees and for the transplanting of small and mid-sized trees. It also has a reputation amongst evergreen owners for helping trees to survive harsh winters. In particular, the high nitrogen levels can help a boxwood develop thick and beautiful greenery.
Its slow release formula provides nourishment for up to 6 months, reducing the amount of time you need to spend fertilizing.
Make sure to store this product according to the instructions on the pack as it may dry out if stored incorrectly.
Key Features:
- Indoor or outdoor use: Outdoor (due to the smell).
- NPK: 6 – 3 – 2
- Type: Granular
- Organic: Yes
- Smell: Yes (best for use with outdoor boxwoods).
- Multi-use: Yes – this product is ideal for all shade, fruit and ornamental trees.
- Vegan: No
Who’s It for:
This fertilizer successfully combines price and quality to provide your boxwood with all the necessary nutrients needed to support healthy and lush growth.
Best Multi-Use: Miracle-Gro Shake ‘N Feed Flowering Trees and Shrubs Plant Food
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when considering best fertilizers for boxwoods, Miracle-Gro’s Shake ‘N Feed Flowering Trees and Shrubs Plant Food is a good fertilizer that can be used widely for many different plants in your garden or home, from evergreens to hydrangea!
The Shake ‘N Feed granular mix helps to maintain your plant’s deep and lush green foliage. The high levels of nitrogen and potassium can really give your boxwood’s health a boost. This product has proven particularly great at revitalizing plant health, including helping your plant fight off insect infestations.
It provides continuous feeding for up to 3 months and works both in the ground and in containers.
Key Features:
- Indoor or outdoor use: Good for indoor and outdoor use.
- NPK: 18 – 6 – 12
- Type: Granular
- Organic: No
- Smell: Does have a slight fishy smell.
- Multi-use: Yes – great for flowering trees, shrubs, evergreens and other acid-loving plants.
- Vegan: No (contains feather and bone meal).
Who’s It for:
Miracle-Gro’s Shake ‘N Feed is a great multi-use fertilizer that can be used on a wide range of plants – saving you a little money!
Buying Guide
5 Tips For Choosing The Best Fertilizers For Boxwoods
#1 Get the NPK Ratio Right
The ideal NPK ratio for boxwoods is around 10 – 6 – 4. However, the exact numbers don’t matter as much as getting the general balance right.
Nitrogen should be the highest percentage of the ratio for evergreens like boxwoods. Nitrogen is important for photosynthesis and the development of dense foliage.
Phosphorus helps a strong root structure to develop. Boxwood roots are extensive and phosphorus helps them to stretch out to seek water during periods of drought. This is especially important because boxwood roots grow just below the surface of the soil.
Potassium helps with the circulation of water, oxygen and other nutrients – which is very important during times of temperature extremes like summer droughts or winter chills.
Aim for a ratio with a high percentage of nitrogen, a slightly lower amount of phosphorus and an equal or slightly lower percentage of potassium.
#2 Choosing the Best Fertilizer Type
There are benefits to each of the three main fertilizer types: spikes, granules and liquid. The key is figuring out what is the most important to you.
Use this handy synopsis to make an informed decision that will help both you and your boxwood.
| Spikes | Granules | Liquid | |
| Pros | ConvenientNo messPrecision careSlow release of nutrients | Top dressing helps avoid damaging the feeder rootsSlow release of nutrientsCost-effective due to long shelf life | Fast actingGreat for ailing plants |
| Cons | Applied at the drip line so can damage a boxwood’s feeder roots just below the surfacePricier | Some brands can dry out if stored incorrectly | Risk of fertilizer burn |
#3 Go Organic
There can be huge benefits to opting for an organic fertilizer when thinking about best fertilizers for boxwoods.
The environmental impact of non-organic fertilizer can be huge. Opting for organic can help you, your plants, your wider garden and your local environment avoid harmful chemicals and toxins.
And organic fertilizers often work just as well as non-organic varieties!
#4 Save Money by Choosing a Multi-Use Product
Owners of a huge array of well-tended boxwoods might like to purchase a more boxwood-specific fertilizer. But for those with just one or two little boxwoods, a multi-use fertilizer is usually the best option.
Many fertilizers which are suitable for boxwoods are also great for evergreens, fruiting trees, other shrubs and even acid-loving plants like hydrangea.
Take a look around your garden and choose a fertilizer which can be used for multiple plants to save money and get the most out of your fertilizer.
#5 Think About the Smell
If your boxwoods are all hardy outdoor types, the smell of your chosen fertilizer might not be an issue.
However, if you like to keep your boxwood indoors you will want to consider the smell given off by your fertilizer. Miracle-Gro Tree & Shrub Plant Food Spikes and Scotts Evergreen, Flowering Tree & Shrub Continuous Release Plant Food are good limited or no smell options.
FAQ Best Fertilizers for Boxwoods
How often should I fertilize my boxwoods?
Boxwoods are light feeders, so you should only need to fertilize them twice every year at the most. Check the recommendations on your specific fertilizer for guidance.
Late fall and early spring are the best times to fertilize boxwoods, before the growing season has really begun, as this will help support root development.
Don’t fertilize your boxwood in the late summer or early fall as this can encourage new growth at a time when it will soon be more vulnerable to frost.
What are the key features I should be looking for in a boxwood fertilizer?
The right balance of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is important. Go for a fertilizer with a higher rate of nitrogen (which is key for evergreen foliage) and a close to equal balance of phosphorus and potassium.
What type of fertilizer is best for ailing boxwoods?
Liquid fertilizers are usually best for ailing plants as they provide a quicker release of nutrients than the granular or spike options. Liquid fertilizers can usually be reapplied much sooner than other types too.
But Miracle-Gro Shake ‘N Feed Flowering Trees and Shrubs Plant Food has also proven great for revitalizing plants.
How do I know if my boxwood is healthy?
A healthy boxwood that is getting the right nutrients will have lush dark green foliage, new growth and a sturdy root system.
Discolored stems and foliage can be a sign of ill health. Check to see if your boxwood’s foliage is turning light green, yellow or (eventually) tan. Yellow or wilting foliage can be a sign of over-watering.
How do I know if I have over-fertilized my boxwood?
As light feeders, boxwoods can be susceptible to over-fertilizing.
Over-fertilizing can harm a boxwood’s roots and prevent them drawing nutrients and moisture up from the soil. Leaves, twigs and branches may start to wither. Leaf burn is also a sign of over-fertilizing.
How do I make my boxwood greener?
Regular application of a quality fertilizer can make all the difference to your boxwood’s coloring and foliage.
Miracle-Gro Tree & Shrub Plant Food Spikes and Miracle-Gro Shake ‘N Feed Flowering Trees and Shrubs Plant Food both have high levels of nitrogen which helps to improve foliage thickness and color.
It’s also important to water your boxwood between once per week (for developing boxwoods) to once every three weeks (for mature boxwoods – usually after 2 years).Q. What is the best type of soil for boxwoods?
Boxwoods are not too fussy when it comes to soil types, but opting for a well-draining sandy mix usually produces the best results.
Boxwoods enjoy a slightly acidic soil – aim for a pH range of between pH 6.5 and pH 7.
Don’t Wait – Get The Best Boxwood Fertilizer Today!
Boxwoods can provide a lovely dash of green all year round – it is easy to forget what the best fertilizers for boxwoods could be! Scotts Evergreen, Flowering Tree & Shrub Continuous Release Plant Food is a great choice for your indoor or outdoor boxwood. It helps to encourage the development of strong roots and lush foliage. And because it doesn’t burn plant roots, it’s a safe option for light feeders like boxwoods.
There are so many best fertilizers for boxwoods, but FoxFarm’s Marine Cuisine Dry Fertilizer deserves a mention due to its great NPK balance – a strong dose of nitrogen for lush foliage and an equal balance of potassium and phosphorus is perfect for a boxwood.
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