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

Buxus microphylla Microphylla

Buxus microphylla, commonly known as the Japanese Box, is a versatile and hardy shrub that has gained popularity in New Zealand gardens for its dense foliage and adaptability. Whether you’re looking to create a formal hedge or add structure to your garden beds, this plant is an excellent choice. With its small, glossy leaves and compact growth habit, Buxus microphylla microphylla not only provides visual interest but also serves practical purposes, such as providing shelter for local wildlife and acting as a natural windbreak.

Buxus microphylla (Littleleaf Boxwood)

5 from 1 customers

Littleleaf Boxwood, Japanese Boxwood, Small-Leaved Boxwood, Small-Leaved Boxwood

Buxus microphylla, commonly known as Japanese Box or Littleleaf Boxwood, is a compact evergreen shrub renowned for its dense, glossy green foliage and adaptability to shaping. Ideal for formal hedges, borders, and topiary, it maintains its vibrant colour year-round. With excellent cold tolerance and minimal shaping required, it's a reliable choice for formal gardens, cottage landscapes, and container planting throughout New Zealand.

Japanese Box (Buxus microphylla) plants with lush green foliage.
  • Suited to regions:
    All regions
  • Plant type:
    Shrubs
  • Height:
    2.00 m
  • Spread:
    2.00 m
  • Tolerances:
    Coastal, Hardy
  • Garden uses:
    Hedging, Topiary
  • Garden styles:
    Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Cottage, Formal, Frontyard, Modern
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$19.29
buxus-silver-beauty-
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$19.29
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$19.29
buxus-supergreen-
Most Popular

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 tall...

From$19.29
buxus-green-gem-
Most Popular

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$102.29
Large Eugenia ventenatii hedge with red and green foliage.
Most Popular

Eugenia ventenatii (Lilly Pilly)

Eugenia ventenatii is a standout choice for New Zealand gardens. Eugenia ventenatii (aka Syzygium australe), commonly known as Lilly Pilly, is a...

From$135.32
viburnum-hedge-master--10
Most Popular

Viburnum Hedge Master

Viburnum Hedge Master is an evergreen shrub grown for its lush and colourful foliage. The glossy foliage emerges red and ages to become dark green...

From$25.74
rhododendron-scented-sun-
Most Popular

Rhododendron Scented Sun

Rhododendron ‘Scented Sun’ is a compact shrub growing up to 1.2 metres tall with a neat, rounded growth habit. Known for its fragrant yellow flowers...

From$60.57
Pseudopanax lessonii lush, green foliage.
Most Popular

Pseudopanax lessonii (Coastal Five Finger)

Pseudopanax lessonii, commonly known as Five-Finger or Houpara, is a lush, native New Zealand shrub or small tree prized for its tropical appearance...

From$18.00
callistemon-matthew-flinders-2
Most Popular

Callistemon Matthew Flinders (Red Callistemon)

Callistemon Matthew Flinders is a popular variety of Bottlebrush due to its colourful flowers, foliage, and small stature. Bright red flowers coat...

From$25.74
Buxus microphylla (Littleleaf Boxwood)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Buxus or Evergreen Shrubs.

Search Buxus microphylla (Littleleaf Boxwood)

Characteristics of Buxus microphylla microphylla

Buxus microphylla microphylla typically grows to a height of about 1 to 1.5 metres, making it perfect for low hedging or topiary. Its leaves are small, oval-shaped, and a vibrant green, adding a lush appearance to gardens year-round. This plant is particularly well-suited for New Zealand’s climate, thriving in well-drained soil and partial to full sunlight. Once established, it requires minimal maintenance, making it a favorite amongst both novice and experienced gardeners.

Uses and Benefits

One of the most popular uses of Buxus microphylla microphylla is in formal garden designs. Its ability to be shaped makes it ideal for topiary work or creating elegant hedges that can define garden spaces. Additionally, it works wonderfully as a border plant or can be used to create privacy screens or windbreaks in your outdoor space. Beyond aesthetics, Buxus microphylla microphylla plays a role in fostering biodiversity by attracting beneficial insects and providing habitat for small birds.

For those looking to expand their shrub collection, consider exploring related options like Buxus sempervirens or Buxus sempervirens Silver Beauty. Both varieties offer unique characteristics while still providing the same structural benefits.

Growing and Caring for Buxus microphylla microphylla

Caring for Buxus microphylla microphylla is relatively straightforward. Regular watering, especially in the first few years after planting, helps establish a strong root system. Pruning can be done in early spring or late summer to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Fertilizing with a slow-release fertiliser in spring supports healthy growth, while mulching can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

If you're looking for even more variety to complement your garden, consider incorporating shrubs like Buxus Koreana for a slightly different look, or the striking Grevillea Splendour for a splash of vibrant colour.

Conclusion

Buxus microphylla microphylla is a fantastic addition to any garden, offering versatility, low-maintenance needs, and year-round greenery. Its adaptability to various garden styles makes it a must-have for any New Zealand landscape. Don't forget to pair it with other remarkable shrubs such as Olearia Dartonii and Rhododendron Saxon Blush to create a rich tapestry of textures and colours in your outdoor spaces. Embrace the beauty and practicality of Buxus microphylla microphylla to enhance your garden today!


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.

You know Parahebe perfoliata and Avocado Reed, but have you met Thuja plicata, Acer Autumn Glory (Autumn Glory Maple), and Escallonia White Knight? These beauties are worth a closer look.
–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

411 Google reviews