Box

Box Overview

Buxus sempervirens is a large, slow-growing evergreen shrub. It has small, deep green, oval or oblong leaves that are glossy and it produces small, yellowish flowers (in the leaf axils) in spring. These are followed by green-brown fruits. Box - which it's commonly known as - has a bushy compact habit and can grow as tall as 5 metres. Buxus is a genus of around 70 species from a range of origins, with the majority of species being tropical or subtropical; only the European and some Asian species are frost-tolerant. The Buxus genus is split into 3 sections according to the regions: Eurasian species, the African (except northwest Africa) and Madagascan species, and the American species. The African and American plants are genetically more similar to each other than the Eurasian section. Boxwood - as Buxus sempervirens also known - is grown in gardens for its good hedging ability, and it can be clipped into various shapes. Commercially, the wood is used in the manufacture of parts for musical instruments. Buxus sempervirens is best grown in soil that is well-draining and moist. It prefers a partially shaded situation as it can easily be scorched by the sun and strong winds - also meaning it prefers a sheltered location. A classical plant for formal gardens through the ages, it is now a popular addition to many garden types and styles. Box is on the RHS 'Plants for Pollinators' list highlighting plants that produce large amounts of nectar and/or pollen. A great choice for encouraging beneficial insect wildlife into your garden!