This traditional evergreen is grown for its small, neat, dense leaf habit and its longevity. Commonly know as Box, it is the primary plant that is used for low-growing border hedging and topiary. They are an absolute must for a Parterre garden and will add linear emphasis to a formal design. These are tough plants that have simple requirements. They thrive in sun or shade and adapt well to climates that are warmer even though their preference is for cooler climates. They are tolerant of regular cliping – in fact they seem to love it - which encourages them to retain a tightly growing leaf habit and this makes them desirable as specimens for shaping. It is always best to cut them back after the new growth has sprouted.
All of the species are evergreen shrubs or small trees with simple smooth-edged leaves arranged in oposite pairs. Small greenish or yellowish flowers are borne in the leaf axils. There are variegated cultivars with cream, yellow and white-edged leaves which can be an attractive alternative to the mid-green variety.
A member of the family Buxaceae, the genus Buxus has most of its 50 or so species in the West Indies and Central America; there are also species through eastern Asia, the Himalayas, Africa, and Europe. Mostly used as garden and landscape plants, the close-grained yellowish wood is also used for wood-cut engraving, and for small turned and carved objects such as buttons and chess pieces.
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