The classic clipped formal-hedge and topiary plant, with small glossy rounded leaves on dense slow growth. More heat-tolerant than English box and the standard low border edge in Australian gardens.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 1.5 m H × 1 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Japanese Box
Buxus microphylla var. japonica is a slow-growing shrub in the Buxaceae family. It reaches around 1.5 m tall and 1 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Cream green flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Japanese Box
Japanese Box suits warm-temperate, cool-temperate and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Japanese Box does best in free-draining and loamy soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 60 cm apart.
Watering & feeding
Japanese Box is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Japanese Box after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Japanese Box in the garden
Japanese Box earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge, clipping into topiary, pots and courtyard containers and a feature or specimen planting. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Japanese Box with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
Good to know
Note that it is toxic to cats and dogs, so site it away from pets that chew. All parts can be toxic if eaten, so keep it away from small children.
Buying Japanese Box
Plant Sale lists Japanese Box as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.