3Ltr Buxus sempervirens 50-60cm
Only £5.50 + VAT Each
Details / Key Facts
This has long been a favourite among gardeners. Its compact, dense structure which is easily trimmed and shaped makes it ideal for a small hedge. This is our native common box and the largest of group of boxwoods, having more cultivators than all the other species of boxwood combined. It has dense, green foliage and is highly prized for its wood. Perfect for topiary work as well as hedging, the typical common box used for topiary has small pointed leaves and is a deep green colour. Before clipping, Buxus sempervirens grows 6-8″ per year when young, after clipping, this slows to approximately 1-2″ per year.
Family – Buxaceae
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.
Details – Sempervirens is a large, slow-growing evergreen shrub to 5m or more, compact in habit, with small, glossy oval or oblong leaves, and small, yellowish flowers in the leaf axils.
Cultivation – Grows best in well-drained soil in partial shade; can be scorched by sun and strong winds. Susceptible to a number of box problems
Propagation – Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types – Drought Resistant Hedging & Screens Low Maintenance Banks and Slopes Ground Cover Garden Edging Patio & Container Plants Mediterranean Climate Plants
How To Grow
Cultivation notes
Box is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, provided there is adequate drainage and it does not dry out completely. A reliably moist soil is especially important if growing in full sun, otherwise the foliage may scorch. Box will tolerate deep shade and is ideal for planting beneath taller trees.
Planting in the garden
Box should be planted in autumn or spring
For hedging prepare a planting area by thoroughly cultivating the soil to a spade’s depth and up to 90cm (3ft) wide. For individual specimens dig a planting hole to a spade’s depth and a diameter of three times the width of the rootball. On poorer soils spread organic matter, such as well rotted manure or garden compost, over the prepared area and fork in. Do not place organic matter in the bottom of a planting trench or hole.
Spacing
Plant common box, Buxus sempervirens about 30-40cm (1ft-16in) apart. Compact cultivars, such as B. ‘Suffruticosa’ and Buxus microphylla, can be planted 10-15cm (4-6in) apart
