Plant Profile: Humble but Handy Boxwood Hedges
Let's take a closer look at boxwood hedging – the ideal choice for shapely hedges that are easy to maintain
Boxwood or Buxus species and cultivars are one of the most popular plants to use for hedging worldwide. Its popularity is well deserved for all the right reasons: its lush evergreen foliage; wonderfully compact growth in hardy to a variety of soil and climatic conditions; it’s relatively pest and disease resistant; has reliable performance in both full sun and in part shade; is readily available; easy to propagate; and fairly slow growing, which of course is a benefit to the person responsible for maintaining the hedges. So, let’s celebrate the humble boxwood plant and take a look at some ways of using it to best reflect your style.
Formal
Most people know that boxwood is commonly used to create those amazing classical European garden elements like topiary and formal box hedges.
The reason why Buxus is so useful in this application is due to its tight, compact growth, which helps the gardener to create strong, clean lines with little more than a good pair of hedging shears … and careful snipping, of course.
The relatively slow growth means that once established (in the desired shape), Buxus performs very well as a sculptural element and does not need constant attention to keep it looking neat and tidy.
The combination of these two characteristics means that Buxus can be used to create architectural shapes and lines in any garden no matter what the style.
Most people know that boxwood is commonly used to create those amazing classical European garden elements like topiary and formal box hedges.
The reason why Buxus is so useful in this application is due to its tight, compact growth, which helps the gardener to create strong, clean lines with little more than a good pair of hedging shears … and careful snipping, of course.
The relatively slow growth means that once established (in the desired shape), Buxus performs very well as a sculptural element and does not need constant attention to keep it looking neat and tidy.
The combination of these two characteristics means that Buxus can be used to create architectural shapes and lines in any garden no matter what the style.
Framing
These next few gardens show Buxus being used for more traditional and classically styled gardens. Some people find the sharp, green lines comforting. The geometric shapes adequately make a statement by themselves, however they also provide perfect framing for special features like statues, fountains or the large urn as shown above.
These next few gardens show Buxus being used for more traditional and classically styled gardens. Some people find the sharp, green lines comforting. The geometric shapes adequately make a statement by themselves, however they also provide perfect framing for special features like statues, fountains or the large urn as shown above.
Geometric
I love the way this grid pattern sits so comfortably in front of the building. The proportions are perfect, and I imagine it would be a pleasure to look out upon this orderly part of the garden. The evergreen boxwood allows the vegetables, perennials or annual colour displays to come and go each season without interrupting the sense of perfect order.
I love the way this grid pattern sits so comfortably in front of the building. The proportions are perfect, and I imagine it would be a pleasure to look out upon this orderly part of the garden. The evergreen boxwood allows the vegetables, perennials or annual colour displays to come and go each season without interrupting the sense of perfect order.
A box in a box
Why not have a bit of fun with your Buxus and shape them into boxes? They look interesting in this contemporary setting surrounded by contrasting strappy plants.
Why not have a bit of fun with your Buxus and shape them into boxes? They look interesting in this contemporary setting surrounded by contrasting strappy plants.
Parallel lines
If straight lines are your thing, try using Buxus for edging your paths, forming a miniature maze or even creating a neat evergreen under-storey for pleached trees as shown below. Both will thrive together and be surprisingly low maintenance once established.
If straight lines are your thing, try using Buxus for edging your paths, forming a miniature maze or even creating a neat evergreen under-storey for pleached trees as shown below. Both will thrive together and be surprisingly low maintenance once established.
TIP: Never hide your clippings under the hedge or you will encourage poor circulation and fungal problems, which may lead to box blight or rust. Tidy cultural habits will always help to avoid many pest and disease problems.
Enticing shapes
Bring out your inner Miss Muffet. These fat, squashed tuffet shapes are visually tantalising. Although probably inadvisable, they do look good enough to sit on.
Bring out your inner Miss Muffet. These fat, squashed tuffet shapes are visually tantalising. Although probably inadvisable, they do look good enough to sit on.
Have a ball
Buxus lends itself perfectly to being transformed into ball shapes. In the garden to the left, the Buxus balls almost look as though they have blown in like tumbleweed and are just resting there on the gravel for the next big gust of wind.
In the garden below, the balls show repetition being used to lead your eye through a transitional area while creating an unexpected sculptural aspect to the space.
Buxus lends itself perfectly to being transformed into ball shapes. In the garden to the left, the Buxus balls almost look as though they have blown in like tumbleweed and are just resting there on the gravel for the next big gust of wind.
In the garden below, the balls show repetition being used to lead your eye through a transitional area while creating an unexpected sculptural aspect to the space.
TIP: When trimming your boxwood shrubs, try to place a drop sheet down to help with a quick cleanup. This is especially important if your boxwood sits on gravel or fine mulch, as it can be hard to salvage all of the cuttings without compromising the surface material or losing a little bit of mulch each time.
Visual feast
This garden is all about shapes. At every turn there are interesting combinations of shapes that stimulate the senses. Its really more of an art installation than a pleasure garden and may not suit a growing family, but if this pleases your eye and suits your needs, why not give something similar a try.
This style of garden is a great option for professional people who are time-poor in the garden department.
This garden is all about shapes. At every turn there are interesting combinations of shapes that stimulate the senses. Its really more of an art installation than a pleasure garden and may not suit a growing family, but if this pleases your eye and suits your needs, why not give something similar a try.
This style of garden is a great option for professional people who are time-poor in the garden department.
A potted garden
When space is limited, you may only have the option to use pots to create your little patch of green. Buxus are a great choice for pot plants, particularly if you don’t have a lot of time to fuss with floral displays or have a difficult position like this exposed balcony. Boxwoods are hardy performers and, as long as you use a top quality potting mix, and keep up the water and food requirements, they should cope with an exposed position.
When space is limited, you may only have the option to use pots to create your little patch of green. Buxus are a great choice for pot plants, particularly if you don’t have a lot of time to fuss with floral displays or have a difficult position like this exposed balcony. Boxwoods are hardy performers and, as long as you use a top quality potting mix, and keep up the water and food requirements, they should cope with an exposed position.
The low box hedge shown in this garden has been used to ‘ground’ the open sitting area. Although sunken, the surrounding hedge helps the terrace to feel less exposed and more restful in this vast open space.
Greening up
These tiny clipped step hedges are used to break up the open paved area and create a nice cascading look that leads your eye to the peaceful pond below.
These tiny clipped step hedges are used to break up the open paved area and create a nice cascading look that leads your eye to the peaceful pond below.
I love the simple elegance of this setting. The emerald green Buxus provides form, the blossom tree is a pure display of natural beauty and the amazing Corten steel screen provides a perfect backdrop for it all while adding a little extra privacy to the street front windows.
TIP: If your Buxus starts to show yellowing or bronzed leaves, you may have a lime deficiency. Treat the soil with a light application of dolomite as per the instructions on the packet.
TIP: If your Buxus starts to show yellowing or bronzed leaves, you may have a lime deficiency. Treat the soil with a light application of dolomite as per the instructions on the packet.
There is a surprising amount of variety in the leaf colour of commercially available Buxus. It pays to do a little research before making your choice as each one has its own merits.
English box (Buxus sempervirens): Small pointed, dark green leaves great for general purpose plantings, pots and small topiary shapes. One of the slowest growing.
Japanese box (Buxus microphylla var. japonica): The fastest and tallest growing of the readily available box varieties. Japanese box has bright emerald green leaves with a little inverted notch in the leaf tip (I like to use this as a reminder of Japanese slippers). Requires slightly more regular trimming than other varieties but can also be used for taller hedges and taller shapes. Is the best performer in warmer climates.
Korean box (Buxus microphylla var. microphylla): A great variety of box that has been popular for low informal hedges as it does not necessarily require clipping, if you are happy with its fluffy rounded look. It has glossy green leaves for a lush look but can become yellowish in full sun conditions. Best variety for low light situations and useful for growing as a neat no fuss under storey planting beneath feature trees.
Variegated English box (Buxus sempervirens ‘Variegata’):
Similar to regular English Box but with a fine green and cream variegation. Great for using in partly shaded areas where colour contrast is required. Can also be useful for hedge layering.
Tell us
Have you had success with box hedging? Share your thoughts and attach an image if you have one in the Comments.
More
See last week’s story on 12 Sustainable Ideas From Landscape Designers Around the World
English box (Buxus sempervirens): Small pointed, dark green leaves great for general purpose plantings, pots and small topiary shapes. One of the slowest growing.
Japanese box (Buxus microphylla var. japonica): The fastest and tallest growing of the readily available box varieties. Japanese box has bright emerald green leaves with a little inverted notch in the leaf tip (I like to use this as a reminder of Japanese slippers). Requires slightly more regular trimming than other varieties but can also be used for taller hedges and taller shapes. Is the best performer in warmer climates.
Korean box (Buxus microphylla var. microphylla): A great variety of box that has been popular for low informal hedges as it does not necessarily require clipping, if you are happy with its fluffy rounded look. It has glossy green leaves for a lush look but can become yellowish in full sun conditions. Best variety for low light situations and useful for growing as a neat no fuss under storey planting beneath feature trees.
Variegated English box (Buxus sempervirens ‘Variegata’):
Similar to regular English Box but with a fine green and cream variegation. Great for using in partly shaded areas where colour contrast is required. Can also be useful for hedge layering.
Tell us
Have you had success with box hedging? Share your thoughts and attach an image if you have one in the Comments.
More
See last week’s story on 12 Sustainable Ideas From Landscape Designers Around the World
Scientific name: Buxus sp & cvs
Common name: Boxwood or box
Origin: Boxes are native to many countries worldwide. There are over 70 species in the Buxaceae family originating from Asia, Africa, Europe, South and Central America, and Madagascar. A large number come from Cuba, while China is home to at least 17 species.
Climate: Most readily available species are moderately tolerant of dry conditions as well as frost, wind and second line salt exposure.
Soil: Buxus is happy in a range of soil types, however it dislikes poor drainage or heavily acidic soils. For best results, soils should be enriched with well composted organic matter and have a pH of 6.5-7.5pH.
Aspect: Full sun to part shade. Avoid deep shade for compact growth.
Water: Water regularly to establish, but be careful not to overwater as Buxus does not like soggy feet.
Feeding: Regular applications of a good quality complete fertiliser in autumn and spring is sufficient. Top up applications of liquid fertiliser can also be beneficial as can liquid tonics such as Seasol or worm wee, especially if you have had periods of excessive rain or high heat and the plants are looking stressed.