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japanese boxwood buxus microphylla japonica

Japanese boxwood Buxus microphylla japonica is a popular and versatile evergreen shrub, prized by New Zealand gardeners for its dense, fine-textured foliage and reliable year-round colour. This compact and hardy variety, also known as Japanese Box or Littleleaf Boxwood, is a top choice for hedges, formal borders, topiary, and foundation planting. With its neat, bright green leaves and slow-to-moderate growth habit, Buxus microphylla 'Japonica' thrives in a range of Kiwi garden settings, from traditional to modern landscapes.

Buxus microphylla 'Japonica' (Japanese Box)

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.

A Buxus microphylla 'Japonica' hedge with fresh-green foliage.
  • 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
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Buxus microphylla 'Japonica' (Japanese Box)

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Why Choose Japanese Boxwood Buxus microphylla Japonica?

Buxus microphylla 'Japonica' stands out for its resilience in New Zealand’s diverse climates. This variety tolerates both sun and part shade, adapts well to different soil types, and exhibits strong disease resistance compared to other boxwoods. Its lush, small leaves offer a classic look that works beautifully for clipped hedges or naturalistic plantings. Japanese boxwood Buxus microphylla japonica is ideal for low hedges, garden edging, or as individual specimens that can be shaped to suit any design vision.

Plant Care and Growing Tips

Caring for Japanese boxwood Buxus microphylla japonica is straightforward, making it a favourite among beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. For best results:

This plant tolerates pruning well and can be shaped into spheres, cones, or other topiary forms. Regular maintenance helps keep plants healthy and dense.

Perfect Companions and Design Ideas

Japanese boxwood Buxus microphylla japonica combines beautifully with a variety of other garden plants. For a classic structured look, consider pairing with other boxwoods such as Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood), the stately Buxus 'Graham Blandy', or variegated options like Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty' (Silver Boxwood) and Buxus sempervirens 'variegata'. For interest and contrast, underplant with fragrant Lavender 'Pippa' or add foliage contrast with Pseudowintera 'Burgundy Delight'.

If you love seasonal colour, hydrangeas like Hydrangea 'Todi' and Hydrangea Blue Wave add summer blooms, while Rhododendron High Society offers springtime vibrancy. For collectors, the rare Buxus harlandii 'Richard' is an intriguing companion.

Japanese Boxwood Buxus microphylla Japonica for Hedges and Topiary

This boxwood’s easily-shaped nature and dense habit have made it one of New Zealand’s most reliable choices for hedging. Japanese boxwood Buxus microphylla japonica is perfect for tight, formal edgings as well as more relaxed garden rooms and knot gardens. Whether you’re creating a stunning parterre or simply defining paths, its vibrant greenery and easy care make it a garden essential.

Add structure, shape, and classic beauty to your outdoor space with Japanese boxwood Buxus microphylla japonica—a timeless plant that delivers versatility for every landscape.


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The spotlight often lands on Magnolia stellata 'Waterlily' and Lomandra Lime Tuff, but Pittosporum 'Small Ball', Cycas revoluta, and Acacia 'Limelight' deserve a standing ovation too.
–The Plant Company

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