Bloombux plants offer a modern, low-maintenance solution for gardeners seeking an evergreen shrub with added floral appeal. These versatile plants provide year-round structure and vibrant blooms, making them a popular choice for various landscape designs.
Understanding Bloombux
Bloombux is a hybrid of Rhododendron hirsutum and Rhododendron micranthum. This dwarf evergreen shrub combines the compact growth of boxwood with the showy flowers of rhododendrons. It typically grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet and a similar spread, reaching mature size over 10 to 20 years.
Bloombux is resistant to Boxwood Blight (Cylindrocladium buxicola), a fungal disease that impacts traditional boxwood plants. Unlike true boxwood, which is susceptible to this and pests like the box tree moth, Bloombux remains largely unaffected. In late spring and early summer, typically May to June, Bloombux produces clusters of pink or magenta trumpet-shaped flowers. These blossoms provide a visual display and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Planting and Care Essentials
Bloombux thrives in full sun to partial shade, though too much shade may reduce blooms. It adapts to various well-draining soil types, including sandy, loamy, and chalky soils. While many rhododendrons prefer acidic conditions, Bloombux is tolerant of a wider pH range, from acidic to neutral (pH 5.5 to 7.5), and can handle some lime.
Bloombux requires about one inch of water per week, especially during establishment and dry periods, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Drainage is important to prevent fungal diseases like root rot. Applying a 2 to 3-inch layer of organic mulch, such as leaf mold or bark, around the base helps conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize in early spring with an organic fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants, or use slow-release fertilizers. Pruning should occur immediately after flowers fade in early summer, typically June or July. This avoids cutting off next year’s buds, as Bloombux flowers on old wood. Light trimming can maintain shape and size, especially for hedges.
When planting a new Bloombux, ensure the root ball is well-hydrated before placing it in the prepared hole. For hedges, digging a trench rather than individual holes can be more efficient due to the plant’s wider root system. The root collar should remain at or slightly above the soil surface after planting. After placing the plant, backfill with soil, gently firming it around the roots to remove air pockets, and then water thoroughly.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
While Bloombux is resistant to Boxwood Blight and the box tree moth, it can encounter common garden issues. Improper watering, for example, can cause yellowing leaves, indicating either overwatering or underwatering. Maintain consistently moist, but not soggy, soil. Ensure adequate drainage to prevent root rot from excessive moisture.
Pests are not a major concern for Bloombux, though it can be affected by issues like spider mites in very dry conditions. Maintaining plant health through proper care helps deter most pests. Bloombux is winter-hardy, tolerating temperatures down to -15°C to -24°C (5°F to -11°F), making it suitable for USDA Zones 5-9. In colder regions or harsh winters, mulching around the base provides additional root protection.
Landscaping Applications
Bloombux’s compact growth, evergreen foliage, and vibrant flowering make it an adaptable plant for various landscape applications. Its dense, uniform habit makes it a choice for creating formal or informal hedges and borders. For a dense hedge, space plants 12 to 18 inches apart. They provide a consistent green structure throughout the year, even in winter.
Its manageable size makes Bloombux well-suited for foundation plantings around homes, providing year-round greenery without overwhelming the space. Bloombux performs well in containers, suitable for patios, balconies, and entryways. When planting in pots, ensure the container has drainage holes and consider sizing up every couple of years for continued growth.
Bloombux can serve as an accent plant, drawing attention with its spring blooms. Its versatility extends to mass plantings for ground cover or to add texture and color in rock, cottage, or courtyard gardens. As a blight-resistant alternative, Bloombux allows gardeners to achieve the classic look of boxwood in their designs.