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Buxus sempervirens (Buxus ball)

At Heijnen Plants, we take pride in offering the Buxus sempervirens, widely recognized as the common box or European boxwood, an esteemed species with a long-standing history in garden landscapes. This evergreen shrub, originating from Southwestern Eurasia and North Africa, is cherished for its dense, small leaves and the refined texture they provide. With its subtle yellow-green blossoms, the Buxus sempervirens is a versatile species, equally suited for formal topiary work or as a steadfast component of parterre gardens. Whether sculpted into elegant shapes or maintained as a simple, yet sophisticated hedge, this plant remains a timeless choice for gardeners seeking enduring beauty and structure.

Winter hardiness
Very winter hardy

Pruning
Once a year

Growth rate
10-20cm a year

Position
Shade, partial shade, sun

Maintenance
Low maintenance

15+ £53.90

25+ £52.50

50+ £51.10

15+ £59.60

25+ £58.05

50+ £56.45

5+ £136.50

10+ £132.90

15+ £129.30

5+ £217.85

10+ £212.10

15+ £206.35

Buy buxus sempervirens (Buxus ball)

The Buxus sempervirens, often referred to as the common box or Abassian boxwood, is a quintessential element in formal gardens across the globe. This versatile plant, native to southwestern Eurasia and North Africa, is celebrated for its dense, evergreen foliage and classic elegance. Its ability to maintain a lush green appearance throughout the year makes it a favored choice for both traditional and contemporary landscapes.

Key Features

The Buxus sempervirens is an evergreen plant, offering year-round interest with its rich green leaves.
This species stands out with its exceptional winter hardiness, surviving temperatures as low as -23.3°C (USDA zone 6).
Its slow growth rate and natural ball shape make it an ideal choice for a solitary statement piece in gardens or landscapes.
The common box is adaptable to various soil types, provided they are well-drained.
It thrives equally well in full sun, partial shade, or full shade, making it suitable for a multitude of garden settings.
With a modest annual growth rate of 10 - 20 cm, Buxus sempervirens is manageable and easy to maintain.
This plant is drought-resistant, adding to its resilience and ease of care.

Tips

To ensure the health and aesthetic appeal of your Buxus sempervirens, pruning should be carried out once a year to maintain its iconic shape.
While it is drought-resistant, during the establishment phase, it is crucial to water your plant adequately.
Propagation of the common box is straightforward with semi-ripe cuttings, encouraging gardeners to cultivate additional plants for their landscape.
For a flourish of subtle beauty, look out for its small yellow-green flowers in the spring, which are often hidden among the leaves.
To avoid unsightly shoots that may disrupt the plant's form, a simple snip with sharp scissors can easily maintain its pristine appearance.

Ideal placement of a Buxus ball

For optimal growth, the Buxus ball should be situated in a location that receives sun, partial shade, or even full shade. Its versatility allows it to thrive under a variety of light conditions, making it an excellent choice for different garden designs. The plant is undemanding regarding soil type, provided the ground is well-drained. Buxus sempervirens is drought-resistant once established, and can tolerate the cold down to USDA zone 6, withstanding temperatures as low as -23.3°C. Its evergreen foliage maintains a lush appearance throughout all seasons.

Planting a Buxus ball

When planting Buxus sempervirens, select a location that can range from full sun to shade, accommodating its versatile nature. The soil should be well-drained, yet this species is adaptable to various soil types. Planting can be done year-round, except during frost. The root ball should be placed into a hole that's twice as wide and of the same depth. Ensure proper spacing for solitary presentation, allowing each ball-shaped plant enough space to maintain its form. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and provide a strong start for root development, accounting for its moderate growth rate and aiding in winter hardiness.

Pruning a Buxus ball

Pruning of Buxus sempervirens is typically minimal, focusing primarily on the removal of unsightly or irregular shoots to maintain its desired form. To ensure the evergreen maintains a dense, ball shape, it is advisable to prune once per year, ideally in late spring after the risk of frost has passed. This timing allows the plant to heal properly and encourages robust new growth. When pruning, make clean cuts to protect the plant's health and keep its appearance uniform and attractive.

Watering a Buxus ball

The Buxus sempervirens, with its dense evergreen foliage, is remarkably drought resistant and well-suited to a variety of soil types, provided they are well-drained. Its watering needs are moderate; it typically requires additional moisture only during prolonged dry spells. During the establishment phase, ensure consistent moisture to facilitate root development. Once established, the root ball can tolerate drier conditions. In the event of extreme heat or extended periods without rainfall, water deeply and infrequently to maintain vigor without promoting soggy soil conditions, which could be detrimental to the plant's health.

Fertilising a Buxus ball

Fertilizing this species is crucial to maintain its vibrant green foliage throughout the seasons. To support the dense and lush appearance of the boxwood ball, it is recommended to fertilize in early spring, just before the start of the growth period. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer designed for evergreens is ideal, providing a steady supply of nutrients over several months.

Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring it is distributed evenly around the base of the plant. This will encourage a healthy growth rate and support the plant's winter hardiness, fortifying it against extreme temperatures as low as -17.8°C. For optimal results, a second application in mid-summer can help sustain the species' growth and vigor.

The characteristics of a Buxus ball

Shaping Buxus sempervirens into a box ball can add architectural interest to your garden throughout the year. Remember to regularly rotate potted specimens to ensure symmetric growth and even exposure to sunlight. During the growing season, light trimming can promote denser foliage. For those with root ball plants, it is advisable to mulch annually to maintain soil moisture and temperature, which supports a robust root system and overall plant health.

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