Buxus sempervirens (common name Box)

An evergreen shrub or small rounded tree native to Central Europe, Asia, Africa and Central America
Box has small leathery green leaves, the young leaves being a light green then fading to dark green as they get older. Boxes are grown mainly for their ability to withstand clipping, which makes them ideal for hedging and topiary.

Uses in the garden

Box is mainly used for dwarf hedging (up to 4ft in height) but can also be used for edging to a path or border. Suitable for formal vegetable/kitchen garden and an edging for paths can also be used very successfully in topiary.
Growth rate
On average it will grow 2-3 inches a year in ideal conditions

Best to plant...

Grow in any fertile, well-drained soil, preferably in partial shade. Box is tolerant of sun, but the combination of full sun and dry soil may encourage poor, dull foliage colour or scorching.

Looking after your Box plants

Trim hedges and edging plants in summer. Can tolerate hard, rejuvenative pruning in late spring (Good idea for old hedges that need shaping) followed by an application of fertilizer and a mulch. You could try a foliage feed in late spring or early summer so it keeps that nice even green colour.

Helpful hints

Make sure all soil is well prepared before planting takes place. This will include...
Clearing the area of all perennial weeds (i.e. Nettle, docks, thistles, couch grass) this can be done easily by applying a residual herbicide (Glyphosate) to the area 2-3 weeks prior to planting.

Prepare the soil area well by digging over to a minimum spades depth (12-16”) and width. Incorporate organic matter into the soil (i.e. compost, well rotted manure, well rotted garden waste) this will aid plant establishment and retain moisture in drier soils.
Only plant up to the soil mark on the stem of the plant, this is easily spotted, look just above where the roots of the plant start and you will see the mark. Water plants thoroughly once planted and then on a regular basis until the plants are well established. Bear in mind weather conditions and water more in hot, dry spells and less in prolonged heavy rain spells.

To purchase this plant please click the following link: Buy Box Plants

this product also appears in: Dwarf hedging