Buxus sempervirens

Description:

Box has been used for hundreds of years in English gardens and is usually seen as neat low hedging or intricate formal parterres. It regenerates really well after pruning making it ideal for this use, as well as creating topiary. Bright zingy green new growth appears in spring, which dulls down as the foliage matures. It is perfect for really low hedging between 30 and 60cm tall as its evergreen nature means it looks sharp all year. We use Buxus as low hedging, edging borders with a formal look or mass planting to form sculptural cubes of green in more modern schemes. Unfortunately it is at risk from some reasonably new pests and diseases such as Box Blight and Box Moth Caterpillar so we no longer use Box for topiary as it needs clipping more regularly which can weaken the plants defences to disease. We do have specialist care plans to ensure the Box hedging in any garden we design, stays healthy and reliable.

Height & Spread:

Good for 30cm high hedging. Eventually 5m x 5m if left untended.

Flowering colour:

Insignificant greenish white.

Soil Moisture Requirements:

Moist but well-drained
(Irrigation not required unless in full sun).

Resistance to Pests and Diseases:

Susceptible to Box Blight Fungus and Box Moth Caterpillar.

Flowering Period:

Early Spring.

Soil PH:

Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
(Any)

Soil Type:

Deciduous:

Maintenance:

Scented:

Wildlife Friendly:

Plant Aspect: