Buxus sempervirens Ball

Buxus sempervirens Ball

Buxus sempervirens balls also know as common box balls are a British native plant that provides instant impact in a garden or planting scheme. It is an evergreen shrub that produces a luxuriant mass of small dark green leaves.  Box is tolerant of shade, as well as thin chalky soils and will in fact grow in most soil types unless they are very wet or exposed to cold winds. It is very slow in its growth and this makes it very manageable and suitable for forming dense hedges as well as being able to be trimmed into smart geometric shapes.  Buxus sempervirens respond very well to being trimmed on a regular basis.  If allowed to grow unchecked, it can form a bush that is wider than it is tall and can, over a long time, get to between 5 and 7 metres in height but more normally between 2 and 3 metres.

Buxus sempervirens is the classic hedge plant for use in Knot Gardens, Parterres and Potager gardens and with this usage the Buxus sempervirens balls compliment these hedges really well. It has a universal appeal for border edging in large formal gardens, as well as in the smallest town garden as topiary and other shapes. Box is used as the framework for formal designs and of the plants used for this only the English Yew can match Box for its versatility.

For the best results, trim Buxus sempervirens with sharp hand shears and choose a day with a gentle breeze when it is dry. If planting alongside other plants, it is advisable to leave a small gap to allow air to circulate freely to maintain the plants health.

Box was given an Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society in 1984.