Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Buxaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Buxus can be evergreen shrubs or small trees, with simple, leathery, opposite leaves and clusters of small, pale yellow flowers followed by pale green to brown fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- SW Eurasia, N Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows best in well-drained soil in partial shade; can be scorched by sun and strong winds in dry soils. Susceptible to a number of box problems, see box cultivation
Propagation
Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pruning group 8 in summer, renovation pruning can be carried out in late spring. Use mulch and a general fertiliser after hard pruning, ideal for topiary clipping
Pests
May be susceptible to box tree caterpillar, box sucker, mussel scale and red spider mite
Diseases
May be susceptible to a leaf spot and box blight
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.