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box buxus

Box buxus is one of New Zealand’s most popular choices for hedging, topiary, and classic garden design. Loved for its tidy, evergreen foliage and manageable growth, box buxus is the gold standard for creating neat borders, formal garden rooms, and elegant focal points. Whether you're hoping to establish a lush hedge, accentuate a pathway, or shape an ornamental feature, box buxus brings enduring structure and style to Kiwi gardens of any size.

A Buxus microphylla 'Japonica' hedge with fresh-green foliage.

Buxus microphylla 'Japonica' (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.

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.

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 '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...

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Buxus microphylla 'Koreana' (Korean Box) plant with lush, green foliage.
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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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Salvia 'Riverton Red' plant with elegant red flowers and lush, green leaves.
Salvia 'Riverton Red'

Salvia 'Riverton Red' is a striking perennial prized for its vivid red flower spikes that bloom reliably from spring through autumn. This hardy, sun...

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sarcococca-ruscifolia-3
Sarcococca ruscifolia

Sarcococca ruscifolia (Fragrant Sweet Box) is a highly valued evergreen shrub known for its glossy green foliage and wonderfully fragrant winter...

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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...

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ilex-aquifolium-angustifolia-male-
Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia

Ilex aquifolium 'Angustifolia' is an elegant evergreen holly admired for its narrow dark green leaves and dense upright growth habit. This hardy...

From$136.04
Westringia 'Grey Box' shrubs in garden with fine, grey-green foliage.
Westringia 'Grey Box'

Westringia 'Grey Box' is a variety of the commonly known Coastal Rosemary, and is a popular, fast-growing shrub. It features delicate, narrow, grey...

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A large Ilex crenata 'Convexa' shrub with dense, green foliage.
Ilex crenata Convexa (Japanese Holly)

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
westringia-aussie-box-
Westringia 'Aussie Box'

Westringia Aussie Box is a variety of the commonly known, Coastal Rosemary, and is a popular fast-growing, bushy shrub. It has fine and narrow, dark...

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Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lemon' yellow and green foliage.
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...

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A Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa' rounded shrub with dark green foliage.
Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa' (Boxwood)

Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa', also known as Dutch Box or Edging Box, is a classic evergreen shrub prized for its compact, rounded growth habit...

OUT OF STOCK
Buxus microphylla 'Curly Locks' hedge.
Buxus 'Curly Locks' (Chinese Box Plant)

Buxus 'Curly Locks' features small, bright green leaves with a gentle curl. The leaves age to dark green and are held on short stems as it grows to...

OUT OF STOCK
Buxus microphylla 'John Baldwin' hedge plant with cream and green foliage.
Buxus 'John Baldwin'

Buxus 'John Baldwin', commonly known as Japanese Box, Littleleaf Box, or Boxwood, is a small, evergreen shrub that makes for an excellent, formal...

OUT OF STOCK
Buxus 'Handsworthiensis' dark green foliage.
Buxus 'Handsworthiensis'

Buxus 'Handsworthiensis' is a larger and more vigorous variety of the commonly known Boxwood. It grows with an upright and spreading habit, hosting...

OUT OF STOCK
Buxus sempervirens 'Marginata' variegated green and cream leaves.
Buxus 'Marginata'

Buxus 'Marginata', commonly known as English Boxwood or Box Hedge, produces masses of small leaves that are variegated cream and green. These are...

OUT OF STOCK
Buxus 'Tide Hill' rounded shrub with mid-green foliage.
Buxus 'Tide Hill' (Tide Hill Boxwood)

Buxus 'Tide Hill' is a unique dwarf boxwood variety loved for its compact, spreading form and dense evergreen foliage. Unlike traditional upright...

OUT OF STOCK
Buxus sinica 'Insularis' plants growing as a hedge.
Buxus sinica var Insularis

Buxus sinica var 'Insularis' is a popular Korean Boxwood that forms a beautiful mound of dark green foliage. New foliage is a fresh, lime green...

OUT OF STOCK
Buxus 'Supergreen' lush green foliage.
Buxus 'Supergreen'

Buxus 'Supergreen' grows with an upright shape and features rounded, light green leaves that darken with age. This Boxwood typically grows to 1 m...

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Buxus harlandii 'Richard' green foliage.
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...

OUT OF STOCK
ligustrum-undulatum-
Ligustrum undulatum (Box Leaf Privet)

Ligustrum undulatum, commonly known as the Box Leaf Privet, is a fast-growing, compact shrub grown for its form and foliage. It grows as rounded bush...

OUT OF STOCK
Buxus 'Winter Gem' shrub with elegant, green foliage.
Buxus 'Winter Gem'

Buxus 'Winter Gem' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its dense foliage, tidy growth habit, and excellent year round colour. This hardy box...

OUT OF STOCK
Fuchsia 'Maria Mathilda' purple and pink flowers.
Fuchsia 'Maria-Mathilda'

Fuchsia ‘Maria-Mathilda’ is an enchanting variety admired for its exquisite blooms in tones of white and pink. Its elegant, drooping flowers create a...

OUT OF STOCK
Ilex crenata 'Mariesii' foliage.
Ilex crenata Mariesii

Ilex crenata 'Mariesii' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its dense branching, small glossy green leaves, and naturally tidy habit. Often used...

OUT OF STOCK
Buxus microphylla 'Japonica' (Japanese Box)

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

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Why Choose Box Buxus for Your Garden

Few plants offer the timeless appeal and versatility of box buxus. This hardy shrub holds its rich green colour year-round, looks crisp with minimal pruning, and thrives in a wide range of New Zealand garden conditions. Box buxus is naturally dense and compact, which means you can achieve sharp lines and lush coverage, creating the backbone for both classic and contemporary landscaping projects. For those new to boxwood, or after a smaller-leaved form, Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa' (Boxwood) is a top pick as it grows slowly and maintains a tidy shape.

Different Box Buxus Varieties

While the traditional English boxwood is a classic, there are many unique box buxus cultivars suited for New Zealand gardens. Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood) is a favourite for medium to large hedges, offering reliable growth and tolerance for regular clipping. If you’re seeking a faster-growing variety or one with excellent tolerance for heat, Buxus microphylla 'Japonica' (Japanese Box) is fantastic for lush, green borders even in exposed spots. Unique options such as Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty' (Silver Boxwood) provide a striking twist, boasting silvery-green leaves that brighten up shady corners. For colder southern regions, Buxus koreana (Korean Boxwood) is well-suited, known for its exceptional winter hardiness.

Planting and Care Tips for Box Buxus

Box buxus is satisfyingly low-maintenance once established, but the best results start with proper planting. Choose a well-drained site with sun to part shade, and space your plants depending on your desired hedge thickness. Regular watering helps new box buxus settle in, and a mulch layer will suppress weeds while keeping the roots cool and moist. A light trim in late summer or early autumn promotes bushy growth, creating that signature crisp look. And with an occasional feed of slow-release fertiliser, your box buxus hedge will stay lush and green year-round.

Where to Buy Top Quality Box Buxus in New Zealand

Looking to add that classic touch to your landscape? We offer a premium range of box buxus plants, including familiar favourites and rare selections for NZ gardens. Explore our curated collection to find Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa' (Boxwood), Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood), Buxus microphylla 'Japonica' (Japanese Box), Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty' (Silver Boxwood), and Buxus koreana (Korean Boxwood), perfectly suited for Kiwi conditions. Get in touch for expert advice or browse our online shop to bring structure and all-season greenery to your garden with box buxus.


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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.

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