Buxus microphylla 'Faulkner'

RHS Plant Profile
small-leaved box 'Faulkner'
small-leaved box 'Faulkner' RHS

Synonyms

Buxus sempervirens 'Faulkner'

Award of Garden Merit
Shrubs

A dense, compact, spreading evergreen shrub to 1.5m tall, with small, rounded, glossy, deep-green leaves, and very small yellowish spring flowers

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Buxaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
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
Accepted

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
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
  • 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, box blight and, rarely, honey fungus