Buxus sempervirens

‘Common Boxwood’

FAMILY: Buxus

USES: Border, container, understorey or foundation plant, as a hedge, en masse or for topiary and in parterre gardens. Does equally well in pots, containers or large planters.

SIZE: Grows 3 -5m tall with a 3 – 5m spread at a rate of 30 – 50 cm p/a. Usually kept clipped at 40-50cm tall.

LOCATION: Protect from full sun and reflected heat. Best in partial shade beneath palms or tree cover. Direct midday sun in summer will lead to leaf scorch. Does well in both coastal and desert locations

SOIL: Best in an organically enriched, moisture retentive, free draining and fertile soil with a pH 6.1 – 7.8, mildly acidic to mildly alkaline.

FERTILISER: Apply a slow release 14:14:14 NPK at 50gr. per m2 every 4 months except for the winter period (Dec to Feb). Over fertilisation will cause leaf burn or yellowing as well as root damage. Watch out for N deficiency.

WATER: Apply water on a regular basis to keep the soil continually moist, reducing in winter. Does not accept over irrigation or waterlogging.