Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

japanese buxus hedge

The Japanese buxus hedge, also known as Buxus microphylla 'Japonica', is a top choice for gardeners seeking a lush, classic look for their landscape. Renowned for its dense, evergreen foliage and exceptional versatility, this species creates neat, low-maintenance hedges that thrive across New Zealand’s varied climate. Whether you’re defining a formal garden edge, creating a green screen, or designing a contemporary courtyard, the Japanese buxus hedge adapts beautifully and brings timeless style to any setting.

Buxus microphylla 'Japonica' (Japanese Box)

Japanese Box

Buxus microphylla Japonica, commonly known as Japanese box hedge, grows about twice as fast as English box (Buxus sempervirens). The foliage is also lighter in colour being lime green and glossy. It typically grows to 1.5 m tall and the same wide and can be trimmed as necessary. Buxus microphylla Japonica can be clipped into a small hedge or used to create elaborate patterns as found in parterre gardens. It is often used for topiary, added to mixed plantings, or maintained in a container.

A Buxus microphylla 'Japonica' hedge with fresh-green foliage.
  • Suited to regions:
    All regions
  • Plant type:
    Shrubs
  • Height:
    1.50 m
  • Spread:
    1.50 m
  • Tolerances:
    Hardy
  • Garden uses:
    Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Patios, Pool areas, Specimen, Topiary
  • Garden styles:
    Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
Buxus sempervirens perfectly manicured balls.
Most Popular

Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood)

Buxus sempervirens, commonly known as English Box or Box Hedge, is a classic evergreen shrub popular in New Zealand for formal hedging and topiary...

From$18.23
Buxus 'Silver Beauty' plant with dark green and yellow variegated foliage.
Most Popular

Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty' (Silver Boxwood)

Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty', commonly known as Box Hedge, features small leaves that are dark green with irregular, cream-silver margins, and...

From$107.05
Buxus sempervirens variegata (Variegated Box) shrub with lush and colourful foliage.
Most Popular

Buxus sempervirens 'variegata'

Buxus sempervirens 'variegata' features small, mid-green leaves with cream-white edges on new growth, which age to become a darker green. It grows to...

From$20.18
Buxus harlandii 'Richard' green foliage.
Most Popular

Buxus harlandii 'Richard'

Buxus harlandii 'Richard', commonly known as Little Boxwood, is a spectacular variety that grows to about 1 m tall and the same wide. It has...

From$20.18
Buxus 'Graham Blandy' boxwood shrubs growing as a cluster.
Most Popular

Buxus 'Graham Blandy'

Buxus 'Graham Blandy' is a distinctive, upright boxwood cultivar prized in New Zealand for its narrow, columnar form and year-round evergreen...

From$311.73
osmanthus-heterophyllus-variegatus-
Most Popular

Osmanthus heterophyllus Variegatus

Osmanthus heterophyllus Variegatus is an evergreen shrub that produces spiny leaves which are variegated dark green with a cream edge. The foliage is...

From$26.93
azalea-fire-tower-1
Most Popular

Azalea 'Fire Tower'

Azalea 'Fire Tower' is a vibrant evergreen azalea known for its brilliant red flowers that appear in abundance during spring. The vivid blooms...

From$26.93
Gardenia augusta 'True Love' white flower with mid-green foliage.
Most Popular

Gardenia True Love

Gardenia 'True Love' is a compact, evergreen shrub reaching around 60–90 cm tall and wide, perfect for adding fragrance and lush foliage to NZ...

From$26.93
phlomis-russeliana-
Most Popular

Phlomis russeliana (Turkish Sage)

Commonly known as Jerusalem Sage, this is a small shrub grown for both its foliage and flowers. The foliage comprises lush, dark green leaves held on...

From$26.93
Hebe Wiri Mist shrub with elegant, white flowers.
Most Popular

Hebe 'Wiri Mist'

Hebe 'Wiri Mist' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its fine green foliage and masses of soft white flowers that appear from late spring through...

From$18.83
Buxus microphylla 'Japonica' (Japanese Box)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Buxus or Evergreen Shrubs.

Search Buxus microphylla 'Japonica' (Japanese Box)

Why Choose Japanese Buxus Hedge?

Buxus microphylla 'Japonica' stands out for its refined, small-leafed appearance and strong tolerance to heat, humidity, and frost. This makes the Japanese buxus hedge an ideal choice for both north and south island gardens. Its slow to moderate growth rate makes it easy to manage and shape, requiring only one or two trims per year to maintain a dense, structured form. The compact growth also means less debris and a crisp, clean effect in all seasons.

Japanese buxus hedges are popular for bordering walkways, framing garden beds, and defining outdoor rooms. Their rich green hue remains vibrant year-round, providing color even in winter when other deciduous plants lose their leaves. If you’re looking to achieve an elegant, European-style hedge or knot garden, the Japanese buxus is one of the best options available.

How to Plant and Care for a Japanese Buxus Hedge

Start by selecting a sunny to partly shaded site with well-drained soil. Japanese buxus is hardy and drought-tolerant once established, though regular watering during the first year and in dry spells will deliver the best results. Space your hedge plants approximately 30-40 cm apart for a tight, seamless look.

Prune lightly to shape from an early age, and feed in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser to keep your Japanese buxus hedge lush and healthy. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Unlike other boxwoods, Buxus microphylla ‘Japonica’ has good resistance to common box blight diseases, making it a low-fuss option for busy gardeners.

Complementary Plants for Japanese Buxus Hedge

Japanese buxus hedges pair beautifully with a wide range of feature shrubs and garden companions. If you’re interested in exploring more boxwood options, browse related varieties such as Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood), Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty' (Silver Boxwood), Buxus sempervirens 'variegata', Buxus harlandii 'Richard', and Buxus 'Graham Blandy'. For layered planting, consider mixing in Lavender 'Grace Leigh' for scent and colour, or underplanting with seasonal flowers.

Japanese Buxus Hedge: A Timeless Investment

Whether used for a contemporary border, formal parterre, or structural foundation planting, the Japanese buxus hedge is a reliable favourite in New Zealand gardens. Its year-round beauty, disease resistance, and easy-going nature ensure it will remain a cornerstone of landscape design for years to come. For help choosing the right hedge, or for more inspiration, explore our selection of shrubs, topiaries, and companion plants.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

429 Google reviews