Box

Shrub

Buxus sempervirens

Box

Small-leaved evergreen shrub that takes close clipping, the classic choice for low hedges, edging and topiary.

  • Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade
  • 1–5 m (3–16 ft)
  • 1–4 m (3–13 ft)
  • H6 · Zone 6
  • Evergreen

Overview

Box, also called common boxwood, is a slow-growing evergreen shrub from Europe, North Africa and western Asia. Its small, glossy dark leaves make a dense, fine-textured plant that can be clipped into hedges, balls and topiary; left alone it slowly reaches 4–5 m (13–16 ft).

It is hardy to about −20°C (−4°F), USDA zones 5–8, and grows in sun or shade in any well-drained soil, especially chalk. It struggles in hot, humid summers and drying winter winds, which bronze the leaves.

Box blight and box tree caterpillar are serious problems in many regions, so check plants regularly and keep clippings off healthy plants.

At a Glance

Sun Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Height 1–5 m (3–16 ft)
Spread 1–4 m (3–13 ft)
Hardiness H6 · Zone 6
Soil Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture Moist well drained
Habit Rounded, Upright
Water Moderate
Maintenance Moderate

Growing Conditions

Min. Temperature -20°C (-4°F)
pH Range 6–8
Fertility Average
Drainage Free Draining

Aspect Suitability

  • North-facing
  • East-facing
  • South-facing
  • West-facing

Site Tolerance

  • Exposed sites

Soil Tolerance

  • Clay
  • Chalk
  • Sandy
  • Loam
  • Acid
  • Neutral pH
  • Alkaline

Foliage

Persistence Evergreen
Colour Dark green
Leaf shape / texture Small, oval, glossy

Foliage interest: 12 months of the year

Seasonal Timeline

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Foliage
Propagate
  • Foliage 12 months of the year
  • Propagate Jul Aug Sep

How to propagate

One way to grow more Box: the usual steps for each method.

Semi-ripe cuttings Jul–Sep Takes a little care

You'll need: Clean, sharp secateurs, small pots, gritty compost, and rooting powder if you have it.

  1. Choose this year's shoots that are firm at the base but still soft at the tip, and cut pieces 10 to 15 cm long.
  2. Trim just below a leaf joint and take off the lower leaves; pinch out the soft tip.
  3. Dip the cut end in rooting powder if you have some.
  4. Push them into pots of gritty compost, water them in and cover with a clear bag.
  5. Keep them in a cold frame, greenhouse or bright windowsill out of direct sun.
How long
Roots in about 6 to 10 weeks.
It's worked when
New leaves, and the cutting resists when you tug it gently.
Then
Keep them somewhere cool and frost-free over winter, and pot them up separately in spring.

Semi-ripe cuttings root readily in a cold frame.

Garden Design

Works well in: Cottage, Japanese / Zen, Modern / Contemporary

The classic plant for low clipped hedges, parterres and topiary.

Companion planting: Roses, Lavender, Herbs

Wildlife Value

  • Bees
  • Shelter
  • RHS Plants for Pollinators
  • Nesting cover for birds