JAPANESE BOX

Please click on your desired pot size for a more accurate image of the product you will receive.

Japanese Box (Japanese Buxus) is a compact, evergreen shrub that is extremely versatile, making it a popular choice for many garden styles. It has small, glossy green leaves and continues to be regarded as one of the most popular hedging plants in the world.

 

Japanese Box, while most commonly used as formal or informal hedges, can also be great for the following;

Topiaries: Their compact growth habit make them easy to shape into various forms including balls, spirals and cones.

Containers: Japanese Box grow well in containers/pots, making it a great choice for entryways and patios.

Borders: Used to define borders and edges. Great for walkways.

 

CARE AND GROWTH:

Use a well-draining soil and after planting, ensure the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. During a plant’s establishment period (up to a year after planting), it is important to make sure you are consistently watering. Once established, they will become more drought tolerant. Please keep in mind, it is important to increase watering on hot and windy days!

Japanese Box prefer a position in full sun or part shade. Having at least a few hours of direct sunlight is ideal and will help maintain healthy foliage and a speedier growth rate. Use a slow-release fertiliser in Spring to encourage new growth.

Japanese Box respond well to pruning, allowing you to maintain hedges at any height you desire. The best time to prune is during the warmer months, Spring to early Summer. Avoid pruning when it is cold as this could cause Winter damage to your plants. Pruning also ensures your plants will stay nice and compact rather than getting leggy and sparse. Note: If your Japanese Buxus start turning a coppery orange colour during Winter, this is perfectly normal. It just means they will require a feed in early Spring and they will green up in no time! This usually only happens when plants are still young. A feed before the cold weather can help prevent this.

Mulching is also a good option. A layer of mulch around the base of the plant will help to retain moisture and keep the weeds down.

Japanese Box is a considered a moderate grower when compared to the growth rate of other plants. It can eventually reach a mature height of around 1.5-2m but can easily be kept shorter with occasional pruning. Japanese Box is one of the faster growing Buxus varieties and tolerates heat well.

 

PLANTING IDEAS:

The classic green foliage means this plant will go with anything and everything! If space allows, try two rows of layered hedging plants, Japanese Buxus paired with something colourful like Duranta Gold or Alternanthera Little Ruby. Something that flowers, such as Gardenia Florida or a ground cover like Trachelospermum Tricolour will also enhance and compliment the traditional look of the Japanese Box.

Topiaries would look fantastic in pots next to entryways!

 

SPACING:

Recommended spacing will depend on your intended use but for hedging we suggest the following;

For smaller pot sizes (140mm and 200mm) we recommend 3-4 plants per metre and for larger pot sizes (300mm and 400mm), 2-3 plants per metre. This is a guide only.

For accent planting, every 1-1.5m is ideal.

 

POT SIZES:

Japanese Box is one of our best-sellers which means we offer this variety in multiple pot sizes from 140mm all the way to 400mm! Our 140mm pot is the budget friendly choice, with 200mm being the most popular starting size. Have a look at our advanced 300mm and 400mm pots if you’re looking for an instant impact in your garden.

We will also have some tubestock available soon!

 

OTHER VARIETIES:

If you’re looking for other Buxus varieties, we also sell Korean, Faulkner, English and Harlandii Buxus! Each cultivar differs slightly so be sure to research them specifically to ensure the best care in your environment.

Keep in mind we are also able to source topiary Buxus as well as other varieties, just send us an email!

 

SUMMARY:

Position: Full sun to part shade
Max Height: 1-2m
Max Width: 0.5-1m

Spacing for hedging: Every 25-40cm depending on pot size
Type: Hedge, Topiary, Border, Containers

Feed: Slow-release fertiliser

Pruning: Once to twice a year in warmer months depending on desired height