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english box hedge spacing

Choosing the right english box hedge spacing is essential for creating beautiful, dense, and healthy formal hedges that thrive in New Zealand gardens. Whether you're planning a classic border, knot garden, or elegant pathway edging, getting the spacing right when planting English box (Buxus sempervirens) ensures your hedge fills out evenly, looks lush, and remains easy to maintain. This guide covers everything you need to know about english box hedge spacing, including tips for different varieties and planting goals.

Buxus sempervirens perfectly manicured balls.

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. It features small, glossy green leaves and a dense, slow-growing habit, typically reaching 1–2 metres in height. Ideal for clipped borders, knot gardens, and low-maintenance structure, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. With regular trimming, Buxus sempervirens provides a timeless, elegant framework for both traditional and modern garden designs.

Buy Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood)

From $18.23

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

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. With excellent cold tolerance and minimal shaping required, it's a reliable choice for formal gardens, cottage landscapes, and container planting throughout New Zealand.

Buy Buxus microphylla (Littleleaf Boxwood)

From $20.18

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

Why English Box Hedge Spacing Matters

Proper english box hedge spacing directly impacts the growth, appearance, and long-term health of your hedge. Too close, and plants may compete for nutrients, light, and water, causing leggy growth or root issues. Too far apart, and your hedge may look gappy for years, requiring more time and trimming to fill in. The right spacing balances fast establishment with optimal bushiness, ensuring your hedge matures attractively and remains manageable.

Ideal English Box Hedge Spacing for Formal Hedges

For a dense, formal hedge using Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood), the classic recommendation is to plant 4 to 5 plants per metre, spacing them 20–30 centimetres apart. This close spacing helps young shrubs knit together quickly, creating a solid, green wall that responds well to regular trimming.

Quick Reference Guide

Miniature/Low Hedges (under 40cm): Space 20cm apart
Medium Hedges (40–80cm): Space 25–30cm apart
Tall Hedges (over 80cm): Space 30–40cm apart

If you prefer a slightly looser look, or are using a larger variety, you can space up to 40cm apart. For more open planting where hedges are not required to be solid, you may increase the spacing, but for classic formal effect, closer planting remains best.

Spacing Tips for Different Buxus Varieties

Other popular options for New Zealand gardens include Buxus microphylla 'Japonica' (Japanese Box) and Buxus microphylla (Littleleaf Boxwood). These varieties often have a slightly faster growth rate and a slightly different eventual size. When planting these, keep your english box hedge spacing around 25–35cm for a formal hedge, adjusting slightly wider for informal plantings.

For something more striking, consider Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty' (Silver Boxwood) or Buxus sempervirens 'variegata', which are ideal for creating colourful, textured borders. Their hedge spacing follows the same general rules: 25–30cm for traditional hedges.

Expert Planting Tips

Prepare the soil well and dig a trench to make neat, even planting easier.
For a denser look, double-row planting can be used, staggering the plants.
Water thoroughly at planting and mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

With the right english box hedge spacing, you’ll enjoy a lush, healthy hedge sooner. Explore our range of hedging plants, from Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood) to Buxus microphylla (Littleleaf Boxwood), and find the perfect variety for your next project.

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.