Buxus sempervirens (Box Hedge, English Box)

What are the garden uses for Buxus sempervirens in NZ?

Buxus sempervirens is a much-loved shrub in NZ gardens. It can be clipped into a small hedge or used to create elaborate patterns as found in parterre gardens. It is often used for topiary, added to mixed plantings, or maintained in a container. It is an excellent complement to a modern or cottage garden, bringing both colour and elegance to a space. It is the gorgeous foliage that makes this Buxus a superb choice for a NZ garden.

Buxus sempervirens (English Box) spacing for a hedge

The optimum plant spacing for a Buxus sempervirens (Box) hedge is 20 cm between the plants for a 1.5L pot size. You can reduce the spacing to 15 cm between the plants if you want to achieve a dense and narrow hedge faster. If a 5L pot size or larger is purchased, the spacing can be increased to 30 apart, as the plants have been manicured to be bushy already. Be sure to use a string line to ensure the line is straight, and start lightly trimming the sides once the plants show active growth.

What size does Buxus sempervirens grow to?

Buxus sempervirens grows to about 1 m tall and the same wide as a general rule. It tends to grow taller in partial shade conditions compared to when grown in full sun. Similarly, the size also depends on the level of trimming and how well the plant is cared for with regard to fertiliser and watering during dry periods.

What is the growth rate of Buxus sempervirens?

The growth rate of Buxus sempervirens is generally considered to be slow relative to other hedging plants and even to other Buxus varieties. In suitable growing conditions, a growth rate of 10-15 cm per year can be expected. However, this growth rate will be influenced by soil quality, sunlight, moisture levels, and the warmth of the climate. Growth will be slower in shade, exposed situations, and on poor soils. It can take 10-15 years for a Buxus to reach a mature size of 1 m tall and wide.

How to grow a Buxus sempervirens pyramid

Growing a Buxus sempervirens pyramid takes considerable time and patience, but the result can be phenomenal. The plant is grown within an open frame that rises to a point at the top. That is, three stakes are inserted into each corner and tied at the top. As the plant grows, the sides are lightly trimmed to match the frame's dimensions. It can take 3-5 years to create a good-sized pyramid.

What height and spread does Buxus sempervirens reach?

Buxus sempervirens generally grows to a height of about 1 m and will spread 1 m also. It is a slow-growing plant, and reaching this size can take 10-15 years. That is perhaps why this plant is more commonly grown as a low hedge and kept at 30-50 cm tall.

Where to buy Buxus sempervirens?

The Plant Company has the best Buxus sempervirens plants to buy in NZ. Our production nursery specialises in growing amazing plants, and our logistics team packs them carefully for our customers. The pricing is competitive, and the quality is exceptional. Let us take care of your Buxus needs and impress you with both our products and service!

Buxus sempervirens care

The most important part of caring for Buxus sempervirens is to ensure it has well-drained soil that does not become waterlogged at any time. This, along with overwatering, is the main cause of plants failing to perform or dying. The plants can be lightly trimmed any time, but this is best undertaken during spring or summer. The final elements are to feed the plants in spring with a general fertiliser and keep an eye on watering so they do not dry out. Also, watch for scale insects and mealybugs and treat with an appropriate agrichemical if necessary. Fungal issues can present in warm and humid climates, but these are easily treated with a copper fungicide.