Buxus sempervirens (English box, common box)

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Plant description

English box is a hardy, evergreen shrub or small tree that is popular for hedging, topiary and edging plants, due to its bushy, dense habit. This species is slow growing, tolerant of sun and shade and drought hardy once established. It grows from 1-9 metres tall if unclipped.

Feed in autumn and spring, at the same time as pruning, and apply the food at the drip line of the plant. Yellowing of the lower foliage is a sign that the plant is hungry and needs feeding. When pruning, hand clipping is best, as power shears can tear the plant. Prune in autumn and spring.

Buxus is a long lived plant, and the wood is twice as hard as oak, close grained and heavy. 

Further reading: Hedges and Pruning a hedge in 7 steps (articles written by horticulturalist Angus Stewart).

Additional plant information

Flowers

Flower colour: Yellow
Flowering season: spring

Plant size

Maximum height: 9 metres
Minimum height: 1 metres

Maximum width: not specified
Minimum width: not specified

Sunlight, frost & salt tolerance

This plant will tolerate full or partial sunlight.
Medium frost tolerance.
Plant is salt tolerant.

Fauna attracting?

Not specified.

Climate

This plant species will grow in the following climates: cool, temperate, subtropical, tropical.

Soil types & conditions

Loam: moist, well-drained.

Clay: moist, well-drained.

Sand: moist.

Soil pH: 6-7.5

Pests

Scale, mites, caterpillars

Miscellaneous information

Planting season: All.

Types of fertiliser: Good general purpose applied in spring and autumn.

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