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common box hedging plants

If you’re searching for classic, reliable, and attractive options for garden borders or formal hedges, common box hedging plants have excellent year-round appeal and are a favourite among New Zealand gardeners. These hardy evergreens create crisp lines and lush greenery, perfect for everything from traditional knot gardens to contemporary landscaping. With their dense foliage, tolerance to pruning, and slow growth habit, they’re a top choice for both beginners and experienced horticulturalists looking to add structure and elegance to any outdoor space.

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.

From $12.95

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)

5 from 1 customers

Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty', commonly known as Box Hedge, features small leaves that are dark green with irregular, cream-silver margins, and held densely on short stems. Left untrimmed it will eventually grow to 1 m tall and 1.2 m wide.

From $129.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.20 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas, Specimen, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, 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...

From$44.95
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...

From$16.95
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$16.95
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...

From$16.95
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$16.95
Westringia 'Grey Box' shrubs in garden with fine, grey-green foliage.
Westringia 'Grey Box'

Westringia 'Grey Box' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its soft grey green foliage, naturally dense rounded habit, and small white flowers...

From$18.95
westringia-aussie-box-
Westringia 'Aussie Box'

Westringia 'Aussie Box' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its dense bright green foliage, naturally rounded habit, and small white flowers that...

From$18.95
westringia-fruticosa-3
Westringia fruticosa

Westringia fruticosa (Coastal Rosemary) is a hardy evergreen shrub prized for its fine grey green foliage, naturally dense habit, and delicate white...

From$18.95
Griselinia Broadway Mint hedge with lush, green foliage.
Griselinia 'Broadway Mint'

Griselinia Broadway Mint, commonly known as NZ Broadleaf, is a fast-growing, evergreen New Zealand native shrub prized for its dense, glossy...

From$12.95
Choisya ternata with lush foliage and white flowers.
Choisya ternata (Mexican Mock Orange)

Choisya ternata, commonly known as Mexican Orange Blossom, is a lush, evergreen shrub prized for its glossy green foliage and clusters of fragrant...

From$24.77
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
Photinia 'Red Robin' hedge with colourful foliage.
Photinia 'Red Robin'

Photinia ‘Red Robin’ is a popular evergreen shrub renowned for its vibrant red new growth, which contrasts beautifully with the mature glossy green...

From$18.95
Dodonaea viscosa small tree with green foliage.
Dodonaea viscosa (Green Ake Ake)

Dodonaea viscosa, commonly known as the Green Ake Ake, features lush, bright green leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is...

From$13.95
Syzygium Resilience hedge.
Syzygium 'Resilience'

Syzygium 'Resilience', commonly known as Lilly Pilly 'Resilience', is a popular evergreen shrub valued for its glossy foliage, dense growth habit...

From$281.05
Ilex 'Largo' plant with lush, dark green foliage.
Ilex 'Largo'

Ilex ‘Largo’ is a bold, evergreen holly variety known for its dense, glossy green foliage and broad, upright growth habit. It forms a tidy shrub...

From$136.04
Artemisia 'Powis Castle' plants in a border with lush, grey foliage.
Artemisia 'Powis Castle' (Common Wormwood)

Artemisia 'Powis Castle' (Common Wormwood) is a popular evergreen shrub admired for its finely divided silver grey foliage and soft aromatic scent...

From$22.01
Juncus effusus plants growing in water.
Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Juncus effusus (Spiral Rush) is an eye catching rush valued for its distinctive twisting green stems, compact clumping habit, and strong...

From$16.49
zamioculcas-black-knight-
Zamioculcas Black Knight (Zamioculcas Plant)

Zamioculcas Black Knight is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which...

From$41.33
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.77
clianthus-puniceus-
Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

From$44.09
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
callisia-bubbles--3
Callisia repens

Callisia repens goes by several common names such as the Bubbles Plant, Turtle Vine, and Pin Panther Plant. The Turtle Vine is a very popular indoor...

From$24.95
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$499.80
strelitzia-nicolai-
Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird Of Paradise) is a bold, architectural plant known for its large banana like leaves and striking white and blue...

From$44.09
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$19.50
agave-americana-variegata--1
Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
10-litre-plant-pots-
10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$5.76
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Fertiliser for acid loving plants

Fertiliser for acid loving plants provides targeted nutrition for plants that perform best in acidic soil conditions. It helps support healthy...

From$7.95
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5 Litre Plant Pots

5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing larger shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and young trees. They provide generous root space to...

From$79.20
Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood)

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search common box hedging plants

What Are Common Box Hedging Plants?

Common box hedging plants are typically low, dense shrubs that take well to trimming and shaping. The most popular choices belong to the Buxus family, especially Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood). These plants are prized for their small, glossy leaves, compact growth, and versatility in landscape design. Whether you’re aiming for precise geometric hedges or curved borders, common box hedging plants provide the control and dependable performance gardeners love.

Top Varieties for Hedges

When it comes to choosing the best box for your garden, it helps to know the most suitable varieties. Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood) is renowned for its classic look and adaptability, handling regular clipping and a variety of site conditions. For a unique twist, Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty' (Silver Boxwood) offers subtle variegation, bringing an extra sparkle to your hedge lines.

If you need extra cold and disease resistance, Buxus koreana (Korean Boxwood) is another favourite, compact and tough enough for frostier regions. For a modern alternative, Westringia Aussie Box mimics the look of boxwood but offers even greater resilience to New Zealand’s diverse climates and coastal conditions.

For those after truly low-maintenance green structure, consider Lonicera nitida. This honeysuckle relative forms soft, bushy hedges that respond beautifully to trimming and is ideal for informal cottage gardens or tightly cut shapes alike.

Planting and Caring for Common Box Hedges

One reason common box hedging plants are so beloved is their straightforward care. They flourish in fertile, well-drained soils with regular moisture, though they also cope with some drought once established. Full sun encourages dense growth, but partial shade is tolerated too. For neat, even hedges, space your plants according to their mature size and prune regularly in late spring and summer to maintain that classic clipped appearance.

Feeding in spring helps promote healthy new leaves and strong growth. Always water thoroughly during dry spells, especially when newly planted. Regular checks for pests and diseases will keep your hedges healthy and vibrant in every season.

Why Choose Common Box Hedging Plants?

Common box hedging plants offer timeless garden beauty and remarkable versatility. Their easy-care nature, tolerance of various soils, and suitability for formal or informal styles make them indispensable for any garden design. Explore top choices like Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood), Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty' (Silver Boxwood), Westringia Aussie Box, Buxus koreana (Korean Boxwood), and Lonicera nitida to find the perfect hedge for your New Zealand landscape. With the right care and variety, your box hedge will provide years of elegant form and lush greenery.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Ficus benjamina 'Starlight' and Corokia 'Bronze King' are popular for a reason, but it’s plants like Taxodium distichum 'Cascade Falls', Helleborus 'Apricot Hybrid' (Hellebore), and Macadamia 'Beaumont' that create a truly unique garden.
–The Plant Company

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