Buxus sempervirens – Timeless Evergreen for Hedges & Topiary

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 a great complement to a modern or cottage garden, bringing both colour and elegance to a space. It is the gorgeous foliage that makes this Buxus an excellent choice for a NZ garden.

Buxus sempervirens spacing for a hedge

The optimum plant spacing for a Buxus sempervirens 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 stringline to get the line 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 regards 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 the soil quality, sunlight, moisture levels, and how warm the climate is. 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 essentially 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 according to the sides of the frame. It can take 3-5 years to create a good sized pyramid.

What is the height and spread of Buxus sempervirens?

Buxus sempervirens generally grows to a height of about 1 m and will spread 1 m also. It is a slow growing plant and to reach 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 pack them carefully for our customers. The pricing is competitive and the quality is exceptional. Let us look after 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 make sure they have a well-drained soil that does not become waterlogged at any time. This, along with over-watering, are the main causes of plants to fail to perform or die. 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 insect and mealy bugs 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.