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border buxus

Looking for the perfect formal edge or neat, evergreen definition in your garden? Border buxus, commonly known as box hedging, is a timeless choice for creating stylish garden pathways, borders, and parterres. This versatile shrub brings structure, elegance, and year-round colour to any outdoor space, making it a favourite amongst New Zealand gardeners. Border buxus is renowned for its dense growth, small glossy leaves, and its tolerance of frequent trimming, which allows you to keep it clipped into crisp lines or more relaxed shapes depending on your garden style.

Buxus sempervirens perfectly manicured balls.

Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood)

5 from 4 customers

Buxus sempervirens, commonly known as English Box or Box Hedge, is a classic evergreen shrub popular in New Zealand for formal hedging and topiary. It features small, glossy green leaves and a dense, slow-growing habit, typically reaching 1–2 metres in height.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Hedging, Paths & Steps, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Cottage, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
Buxus sempervirens variegata (Variegated Box) shrub with lush and colourful foliage.

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 about 1 m tall and the same wide, though it is often kept smaller with trimming, which encourages new growth.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.25 m
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock
A Buxus microphylla 'Independence' plant for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Buxus microphylla 'Independence'

Buxus microphylla 'Independence' is a superb compact box hedge variety loved for its fine foliage and dense, tidy growth. This hardy evergreen shrub...

From$17.95
Buxus 'Silver Beauty' plant with dark green and yellow variegated foliage.
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$129.95
A Buxus microphylla 'Freedom' plant with lush, green foliage.
Buxus microphylla 'Freedom'

Buxus microphylla 'Freedom' is a fast-growing, evergreen box hedge variety popular in NZ gardens. It forms dense, bright green foliage that responds...

From$17.95
Japanese Box (Buxus microphylla) plants with lush green foliage.
Buxus microphylla (Littleleaf Boxwood)

Buxus microphylla, commonly known as Japanese Box or Littleleaf Boxwood, is a compact evergreen shrub renowned for its dense, glossy green foliage...

From$44.95
Buxus koreana plant for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Buxus koreana (Korean Boxwood)

Buxus koreana, commonly known as Korean Box, is a cold-hardy, evergreen shrub ideal for low hedging and formal borders in New Zealand gardens. It...

From$17.95
Buxus 'Green Gem' dense hedge.
Buxus 'Green Gem'

Buxus 'Green Gem' is a compact, evergreen boxwood plant that is ideal for low hedges, borders, and topiary in New Zealand gardens. It forms a dense...

From$129.95
Ilex crenata 'Helleri' shrubs in a border garden.
Ilex crenata 'Helleri'

Ilex crenata 'Helleri' is a compact, slow-growing evergreen shrub with small, glossy green leaves and a dense, mounding habit. Resembling boxwood in...

From$27.53
Buxus harlandii shrub with dense, green foliage.
Buxus harlandii

Buxus harlandii grows to about 1 m tall and the same wide with charming, bright green leaves. Best results with this evergreen shrub are achieved...

From$17.95
A large Ilex crenata 'Convexa' shrub with dense, green foliage.
Ilex crenata 'Convexa'

Ilex crenata 'Convexa' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its small glossy dark green leaves and naturally dense growth habit. Often used as an...

From$27.53
Coprosma 'Mini Mac' small, green foliage.
Coprosma 'Mini Mac'

Coprosma 'Mini Mac' is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its glossy green foliage and tidy rounded form. Well suited to New Zealand conditions, it...

From$11.95
Buxus 'Graham Blandy' boxwood shrubs growing as a cluster.
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$249.95
A Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lemon' plant in a garden.
Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lemon'

Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lemon' is an evergreen shrub often used instead of Buxus for hedges. It carries dense, upright branches that host small and...

From$16.95
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Helleborus 'White Hybrid'

Helleborus 'White Hybrid' is a beautiful winter flowering perennial that produces elegant white blooms above lush evergreen foliage. It provides...

From$19.95
Coprosma acerosa 'Taiko' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Coprosma 'Taiko'

Coprosma 'Taiko' is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its rich chocolate to deep burgundy foliage and naturally rounded form. This hardy selection...

From$17.95
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Heuchera 'Kassandra'

Heuchera 'Kassandra' is a striking perennial grown for its colourful foliage that blends warm amber, gold, and red tones throughout the seasons. The...

From$22.01
Carex flagellifera Red plants.
Carex flagellifera 'Red'

Carex flagellifera 'Red' is a NZ native, ornamental grass grown for its colourful and attractive foliage. It produces slender and lush, copper-red...

From$11.50
Myosotidium hortensia (Chatham Island Forget Me Not) plant with lush green foliage and stunning blue flowers.
Myosotidium hortensia (Chatham Island Forget-Me-Not)

Myosotidium hortensia, commonly known as the Chatham Island Forget-Me-Not, is a distinctive and recognisable NZ native. The plants have large...

From$26.15
Heuchera 'Sugar Plum' plant with silver and purple foliage.
Heuchera 'Sugar Plum'

Heuchera 'Sugar Plum' is a beautiful perennial celebrated for its colourful foliage that blends silver, purple, and plum tones throughout the year...

From$20.63
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Dianella 'Kentlyn'

Dianella 'Kentlyn' is a hardy evergreen flax lily valued for its graceful arching blue green foliage that provides year round colour and texture...

From$16.49
Lomandra Nyalla grass with blue-green foliage in a border planting.
Lomandra 'Nyalla'

Lomandra 'Nyalla' is a hardy ornamental grass featuring delicate, lush green foliage and a graceful, arching form. Reaching approximately 80 cm in...

From$16.95
Phlox 'Daniel' plant covered in pink flowers.
Phlox 'Daniel'

Phlox 'Daniel' is a stunning evergreen perennial admired for its masses of pure white star shaped flowers that cover the plant during spring. This...

From$23.39
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Pimelea mimosa

Pimelea mimosa is an attractive evergreen shrub valued for its fine textured foliage, compact growth habit, and clusters of delicate flowers. This...

From$15.95
A Pittosporum 'Midget' plant in a garden.
Pittosporum 'Midget' (Dwarf Pittosporum)

Pittosporum 'Midget' is a dwarf variety that features foliage made up of small, fresh green leaves. The foliage is complemented with small, purple...

From$22.01
Kniphofia 'Pineapple Popsicle' plant with cream-coloured flowers and lush foliage.
Kniphofia 'Pineapple Popsicle' (Torchlily)

Kniphofia 'Pineapple Popsicle' is a compact evergreen perennial grown for its vibrant pineapple yellow flower spikes that appear from late spring...

From$20.63
Polemonium 'Stairway to Heaven' plant in a garden with variegated leaves and blue flowers.
Polemonium 'Stairway to Heaven'

Polemonium 'Stairway to Heaven' is a stunning perennial admired for its finely divided variegated foliage and clusters of soft lavender blue bell...

From$30.29
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Potentilla 'Peaches and Cream' (Bushy Cinquefoil)

Potentilla 'Peaches and Cream' is a delightful deciduous shrub renowned for its soft peach and cream coloured flowers that bloom over a long period...

From$26.15
Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' plant with blue flowers.
Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' (Catmint)

Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' is a compact catmint with aromatic silvery green foliage and rich blue flower spikes through the warmer months. The rounded...

From$17.87
Azalea Lucy plant with bright pink flowers.
Azalea 'Lucy'

Azalea 'Lucy' is a beautiful evergreen azalea admired for its masses of colourful blooms and compact rounded growth habit. Flowering generously...

From$18.85
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' plants in a cottage garden featuring orange flowers and lush green foliage.
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' is a variety of the commonly known Red Hot Poker, and is grown for its colourful flowers. Stems rise above the foliage...

From$20.63
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Geranium 'Dwarf White' (White Cranesbill)

Geranium 'Dwarf White' is grown for its short stature and beautiful flowers. It features lush, mid green foliage which becomes adorned with masses of...

From$20.63
Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Buxus, and Ilex, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs.

Search border buxus

Why Choose Border Buxus for Your Garden?

Buxus varieties are loved for their ability to thrive in a range of garden positions, from sun to part shade, and their resilience in New Zealand’s variable conditions. Border buxus offers easy-care formality and can be planted to define vegetable gardens, frame flower beds, or enclose patios and walkways. Their slow, steady growth and compact habit mean that with minimal trimming, border buxus retains its tidy shape and creates a lasting impact in both traditional and modern landscapes.

Top Varieties of Border Buxus

Choosing the right variety makes all the difference. Among the most popular is the Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa' (Boxwood), a classic dwarf boxwood ideal for low hedges and knot gardens. If you’re seeking year-round interest and a touch of contrast, Buxus sempervirens 'variegata' offers striking cream-margined leaves. For a golden glow, Buxus 'Buttercup' (Buxus Buttercup) is a superb option, brightening your border even in the depths of winter. Gardeners in cooler regions love Buxus koreana (Korean Boxwood), prized for its excellent cold tolerance and dense, neat habit. For a traditional larger hedge or statement planting, Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood) remains a reliable favourite.

Planting and Caring for Border Buxus

Establishing a healthy, attractive border buxus is all about preparation and ongoing care. Plant your buxus in well-drained soil, enriched with compost or organic matter. Space plants about 20-30 cm apart for low hedges, ensuring they’ll knit together for a seamless line. After planting, keep them well-watered until established, mulching to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Feed annually with a slow-release fertiliser in spring and trim lightly two or three times a year to maintain your chosen height and shape. Regular trimming not only keeps the plants dense but also helps prevent common boxwood problems by improving air circulation.

Creative Uses for Border Buxus

Border buxus isn’t just for formality. Use it to create garden rooms, define the edges of winding paths, or highlight feature plants. Smaller varieties like Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa' (Boxwood) are perfect for low knot gardens and intricate patterns, while taller buxus may be used for deeper borders or to enclose entire spaces. With its versatility, border buxus helps tie together mixed planting schemes and offers a lush green backdrop for seasonal flowers.

Explore our full range of buxus, including Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa' (Boxwood), Buxus sempervirens 'variegata', Buxus 'Buttercup' (Buxus Buttercup), Buxus koreana (Korean Boxwood), and Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood), to find the perfect border buxus for your next landscaping project.


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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

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