This week… Box

BOX is a dense, slow-growing evergreen shrub or small tree with small, dark-green, rather leathery leaves. It develops small spring flowers, although they are usually hidden among the leaves, and it is tolerant of a range of growing conditions.

Different species grow in different parts of the world, and most grow in tropical or subtropical areas so are not tolerant of cold winters.

The European Buxus sempervirens is the most widely grown and is more tolerant of cold winters than other species, although in recent years it has suffered from pests and disease problems. Box is often clipped regularly to create low hedges in formal gardens or around the edges of informal plantings. In fact, box can be clipped to be kept at any height from about 12in (30cm) to 6ft (1.8m) although taller hedges may tend to open up towards the top.

Box is also the favourite shrub for creating topiary, from neat balls and spires to more ambitious birds, buildings or even elephants and trains!