Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
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buxus microphylla varieties

Buxus microphylla varieties have long been favourites among New Zealand gardeners for their timeless appearance, versatility in the landscape and excellent tolerance of our diverse climate. Whether you’re establishing a formal hedge, a clipped knot garden, or looking for evergreen structure in mixed borders, the different forms of buxus microphylla offer a fantastic range of choices for every outdoor space. With their small, glossy leaves and naturally dense habit, these varieties of Littleleaf Boxwood are perfect for neat, low-maintenance greenery year-round.

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.

Buy Buxus microphylla 'Japonica' (Japanese Box)

From $99.95

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

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 and adaptability to shaping. Ideal for formal hedges, borders, and topiary, it maintains its vibrant colour year-round.

Buy Buxus microphylla (Littleleaf Boxwood)

From $44.95

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

Popular Buxus microphylla varieties for Kiwi gardens

Within the diverse selection of buxus microphylla varieties, several have become particularly popular for their growth habits, leaf colour and ease of shaping. Here are some of the top picks for New Zealand landscapes:

Buxus microphylla (Littleleaf Boxwood)

The standard Buxus microphylla (Littleleaf Boxwood) is the classic choice for compact hedges and topiary. It performs reliably across the North and South Islands, tolerating both sun and partial shade, and is prized for its small, rounded leaves and dense growth. This versatility makes it ideal for borders, paths and formal garden designs.

Buxus microphylla 'Japonica' (Japanese Box)

If you want a variety that grows a little faster and thrives in warmer regions, look to Buxus microphylla 'Japonica' (Japanese Box). This selection forms a tidy hedge with a slightly larger leaf than the species, maintains great shape with regular trimming, and responds well to coastal conditions and wind.

Buxus microphylla 'Freedom'

For those seeking hedges with strong disease resistance, Buxus microphylla 'Freedom' is well worth considering. It features a lush, mid-green colour and is specially bred to withstand issues like box blight, making it a resilient option for home gardens and public spaces alike.

Buxus microphylla 'Independence'

Another recent favourite is Buxus microphylla 'Independence'. It boasts excellent shape retention, healthy foliage, and a slightly upright form, making it perfect for those crisp, formal hedges that are always in fashion.

Where to use buxus microphylla varieties

All buxus microphylla varieties are invaluable for creating structure and elegance in your garden. Use them for:

Edging garden beds and pathways
Framing formal designs like parterres or knot gardens
Creating low-maintenance topiary shapes
Planting as specimen shrubs in pots or large containers

Their adaptability means they’ll perform well in a variety of soil types, as long as they’re well-draining, and require only occasional feeding to keep them lush and vibrant.

Looking for more evergreen options?

If you’re interested in broadening your palette of structured, evergreen shrubs beyond buxus microphylla varieties, consider Azara microphylla variegata, which offers striking foliage and year-round interest.

For classic Kiwi formality and reliability in the garden, you can’t go past the fantastic range of buxus microphylla varieties. With a selection to suit every style, there’s never been a better time to refresh your landscape with these proven performers.

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.

buxus microphylla varieties

Buxus microphylla 'Japonica' (Japanese Box)

Buxus microphylla (Littleleaf Boxwood)

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