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Plant Profiles / Boxwood (Japanese box)
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Boxwood (Japanese box)
Buxus sempervirens; B. microphylla var. japonica · English box, Japanese box, boxwood
Dense, small-leaved evergreen shrubs that clip beautifully into hedges, balls and topiary. A timeless choice for formal pots and borders.
Sun to part shadeLight
WeeklyWater
EasyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Sun to part shade
ShadeFull sun
Grows in sun or shade; afternoon shade prevents bronzing in hot areas.
Water
Weekly
DryWet
Keep evenly moist in pots; established hedges are moderately drought tolerant.
Humidity
Average
LowHigh
Adaptable.
Temperature
-20–35°C (-4–95°F)
CoolWarm
Hardy; Japanese box handles heat better.
Growth
Slow, dense
SlowFast
Easily kept at 30 cm–1.5 m.
Soil
Well-drained
LeanRich
Fertile, well-drained soil or potting mix.
Fertiliser
Spring & autumn
RarelyOften
Slow-release fertiliser twice a year keeps leaves green.
Pet safety
Toxic
SafeToxic
Contains alkaloids that are toxic to pets if eaten.
About this plant
English box is slow and classic; Japanese box grows faster, handles heat better and has brighter green leaves. Both tolerate regular clipping and grow well in pots, making them perfect for formal balcony and courtyard designs.
Best spots
Formal pots by doorways, low hedges, parterres, balcony troughs and topiary features.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Buxus sempervirens; B. microphylla var. japonica |
| Family | Buxaceae |
| Origin | Europe (B. sempervirens); Japan (B. microphylla) |
| Plant type | Evergreen shrub |
| Mature size | 30 cm–2 m (clipped) |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| Foliage | Small, glossy oval leaves |
| Flowers | Tiny, inconspicuous |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Semi-hardwood cuttings |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Active growth
Prune
Fertilise
Active growthPruneFertilise
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Bronze or orange leaves | Cold, sun stress or hunger. Feed and provide afternoon shade. |
| Brown patches | Box blight or root rot. Remove affected growth and improve airflow. |
| Webbing and chewed leaves | Box tree caterpillar. Remove by hand or use bio spray. |
| Yellow leaves | Nutrient deficiency or poor drainage. |
| Sparse growth | Too much shade. |
Common questions
How often should I trim?
Two or three times between spring and late summer.
English or Japanese box?
Japanese box grows faster and handles heat; English box is slower and finer.
Can it grow in a pot?
Yes, it's ideal for formal pots.
Is it toxic?
Yes, all parts are toxic if eaten.
