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Buxus sempervirens (box hedge)

Welcome the timeless elegance of Buxus sempervirens, commonly known as common box or European boxwood, into your landscape. This classic evergreen is an embodiment of versatility and resilience, making it an exemplary choice for hedges, topiaries, or as a distinguished ornamental plant in any garden. Originating from the verdant regions of Southwestern Eurasia and North Africa, the common box presents a lush tapestry of small, glossy leaves complemented by discreet yellow-green flowers that add a subtle touch of charm to its dense foliage. At Heijnen Plants, we pride ourselves on offering this distinguished species, which has graced gardens with its refined beauty for centuries.

Winter hardiness
Very winter hardy

Pruning
Once a year

Growth rate
10-20cm a year

Position
Shade, partial shade, sun

Maintenance
Low maintenance

2+ £10.85

50+ £10.30

100+ £10.00

200+ £9.75

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
20-30

Planting distance per meter
5

2+ £11.75

50+ £11.15

100+ £10.85

200+ £10.55

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
30-40

Planting distance per meter
5

10.55

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £20.40

50+ £19.40

100+ £18.90

200+ £18.40

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
40-50

Planting distance per meter
4

18.40

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £26.80

50+ £25.50

100+ £24.80

200+ £24.15

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
50-60

Planting distance per meter
4

24.15

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £30.40

25+ £28.90

50+ £28.15

100+ £27.35

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
60-80

Planting distance per meter
3

27.35

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £43.35

25+ £41.20

50+ £40.10

100+ £39.00

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
80-100

Planting distance per meter
3

39.00

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £67.70

25+ £64.35

50+ £62.65

100+ £60.95

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
100-125

Planting distance per meter
2,5

60.95

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

Buxus sempervirens (box hedge)

Buxus sempervirens, more commonly known as common box or boxwood, is a versatile and classic choice for gardeners looking to cultivate a formal hedge. Renowned for its dense and evergreen foliage, it adds structure and elegance to any landscape throughout the year. This species is particularly favored for its adaptability to various pruning styles and its resilience in different climatic conditions.

The plant's presence in gardens spans centuries, reflecting its enduring appeal and reliability as a hedge plant. Whether shaped into intricate topiaries or used as a simple border, Buxus sempervirens remains a mainstay of horticultural design.

Key Features

Buxus sempervirens exhibits a moderate growth rate, which allows for easy maintenance and shape retention.
Its compact growth habit ensures a quickly obscuring visual density, ideal for creating private garden spaces or neat borders.
As Abassian boxwood, it is characterized by its hardiness, withstanding temperatures as low as USDA zone 6, making it suitable for a variety of climates.
The plant flourishes in all well-drained soil types and can thrive in full sun to shade, offering flexibility in garden placement.
With its small, lush green leaves, Buxus sempervirens delivers year-round color and can also produce subtle yellow-green flowers in the spring, adding to its charm.
The species' evergreen foliage not only provides year-long visual interest but also serves as a stalwart backdrop for other seasonal blooms.

Tips

Though Buxus sempervirens is drought resistant, it will benefit from regular watering during extended dry periods, especially when young.
Annual pruning is recommended to maintain your desired shape; however, the plant is forgiving and can be left to grow with minimal intervention if preferred.
When propagating through semi-ripe cuttings, ensure that they are taken during summer months for the best chance of successful rooting.
It is advisable to fertilize the plant in the spring to promote vigorous growth and enhance the vibrancy of the foliage.

Ideal placement of a Buxus

For an Buxus hedge, selecting a location that accommodates its adaptability is key. It prospers in a wide range of lighting from full sun to shade, making it a versatile choice for garden design. The species thrives in well-drained soils and exhibits good winter hardiness, tolerating temperatures down to -23.3°C (USDA zone 6). Its evergreen foliage maintains a vibrant green hue throughout all seasons, contributing to a consistently dense visual barrier. Ensure the chosen site allows for adequate drainage to support its growth and health.

Planting a Buxus

For successful establishment, Buxus sempervirens, being a versatile and pot-grown specimen, can be planted throughout the year, avoiding periods of frost. Begin by digging a trench that is twice the width of the pot and equal in depth. Enrich the dug soil with a well-draining compost to facilitate robust root growth. Position the plant in the trench, ensuring it is level with the surrounding ground. Backfill the soil, pressing down firmly to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and provide essential moisture for the roots to adapt to their new environment.

Pruning a Buxus

Pruning of Buxus sempervirens is primarily to maintain its dense, desired form and should ideally be performed once a year, typically in late spring after the last frost, to avoid any potential frost damage to new growth. The plant tolerates heavy shaping and can be sculpted into various formal designs. To ensure a lush, even appearance, remove any irregular or protruding shoots. Regular trimming also encourages the development of a thick hedge, enhancing its role as a quickly obscuring boundary or block hedge.

Watering a Buxus

Buxus sempervirens boasts commendable drought resistance, requiring minimal supplemental watering once established. However, during the initial stages post-planting, regular watering is crucial to support the development of a strong root system. Afterward, watering should be done sparingly, only to prevent the soil from becoming excessively dry. It's particularly important in periods of extended dry spells or unseasonably high temperatures. Ensuring the soil remains well-drained will prevent waterlogging, which this species does not tolerate well. During the winter months, the natural precipitation is typically sufficient to meet the plant's hydration needs.

Fertilising a Buxus

To ensure a lush and dense box hedge, regular fertilization is essential. Buxus sempervirens benefits greatly from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring. This application provides essential nutrients that support new growth, which is particularly important given its modest annual growth rate of 10-20 cm. A second application in mid-summer can help sustain its vibrant green foliage throughout the growing season.

An ideal fertilizer for this evergreen hedge would contain a mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with trace elements to promote strong root development and robust health. By adhering to this fertilizing regimen, gardeners can help ensure that their box hedge remains a vibrant and hardy boundary or garden feature, even during the colder months, thanks to its notable winter hardiness.

The characteristics of a Buxus

Buxus sempervirens thrives with a little extra attention to its roots. A pot-grown specimen benefits from periodic repotting to ensure it has ample room to expand. Consider mulching the surface of the soil to help retain moisture and protect the root system. With their dense foliage, these plants are excellent for creating structured designs in the garden, such as hedges or topiary art. They are also remarkably resilient and can endure shaping to maintain a desired form.

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