Buxus sempervirens
common box - ball
- Position: partial shade
- Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: slow
- Hardiness: fully hardy
A pair of these tightly clipped box spheres look great flanking a set of steps, a doorway or a path. One of our recommended plants, they're perfect for planting in a large terracotta pot in a partially shady site, where the glossy, dark-green leaves provide all year foliage, interest and structure. Box are happy growing in a sunnier spot, but the combination of dry soil and full sun may encourage poor growth and leaf scorching. If you have sandy soil it is best to keep them in a partially shady spot in the garden.
Please note: The photo shows the plant with optional gift wrap, which can be added during the checkout process.
Please note: The photo shows the plant with optional gift wrap, which can be added during the checkout process.
Ensure that the soil or compost is never allowed to dry out. Trim plants grown as hedges or topiary in mid- or late summer. If you want to maintain a really precise outline, then you can clip it twice a year - once in June, and then again in August/September. Apply a top-dressing of a balanced slow-release fertiliser such as blood, fish and bone (organic) or Osmocote (inorganic) around the base of the plant in spring, making sure that none touches the leaves or stems.
- Pets: Harmful if eaten