English Boxwood ( Buxus sempervirens ) is a hugely popular shrub or small tree for its use in hedging and topiary. This species is native to Europe; parts of Africa and Asia and is hardy to both drought and frost. English Boxwood is grown all over the world for its ornamental value and easy shaping. It is often seen use as a neatly pruned fence, shaped into animals, for mazes and even as a bonsai plant.
Throughout history the wood of the Buxus sempervirens has been used in cabinet making and to make musical instruments; bowls; combs and tool handles among many other things, this is due it hard; heavy; closely grained wood. Boxwood is attractive to Bees.
Other common names for the English Boxwood are Common Boxwood and European Boxwood.
Growth
English Boxwood is a perennial evergreen, growing slowly to an average height of 5 metres tall and 3 metres wide. The leaves are green all year round but can suffer and turn a bronze colour during winter if grown in full sun. The leaves are small and oval shaped, growing to approximately 3 cm long and 1.3 cm’s in width. The flowers of this plant are a green to yellow colour and appear in Spring.
Buxus sempervirens will grow in most soil types including chalk and clay as long as they are well draining. Pruning can be done most of the year, however it is important to avoid pruning in early spring, when there are still chances of frost; pruning will encourage new growth and the frosts will damage new shoots.
Boxwood can be grown in Pots / containers!
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Buxaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate, Sub Tropical & Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-23°C to 36°C / -9.4 to 97°F
SOIL TYPE:
Is tolerant of most types of soil but prefers a well-draining soil.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Average of 5 metres (16 feet), can reach 9 metres in some cases.
WIDTH:
Up to 3 metres (10 feet)
pH:
6.5-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen, Perennial
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Bees and other insects. Monoecious.
MATURITY:
2-3 years
GERMINATION RATES:
78-82%
GERMINATION TIME:
4-6 weeks
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium +
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 70
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes, but can also be toxic.
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
FACTS ABOUT BUXUS SEMPERVIRENS (English Boxwood)
Buxus sempervirens has been used to treat numerous ailments in traditional medicine, however the plant can also cause toxicity. It is also toxic to cats, dogs and even more so, horses.
Although some people don’t seem to mind the smell of this plant, it is a little offensive for most. The leaves have a mild odour that is described by many as similar to cat urine, the smell is worse after rain.
Germination Instructions
HOW TO GROW BUXUS SEMPERVIRENS (English Boxwood)
NOTE: Although not necessary, cold stratification of this species will assist in breaking the seeds natural dormancy and maximize germination rates. The instructions below include the cold stratification method. If you would like to skip this step, you are free to do so but we highly recommend, scarifying seeds by rubbing them gently on some sandpaper or concrete, just enough to remove a small portion of the outer layer of the seed coat; followed by soaking in water for 24-48 hours (changing water every 12 hours). Germination 6-12 weeks.
Step 1
Place the seeds in warm water (not boiling) and leave to soak for 24 hours, changing the water after 12 hours to prevent bacteria build up.
Step 2
Prepare a handful of a soil mixture (any of or a mixture of seed raising mix; peat; sand; vermiculite or perlite). Moisten your chosen substrate and make sure it is not too wet – if you can squeeze water out of it; it is too wet.
Place this moistened mixture into a zip lock bag along with the drained seeds and mix them through to separate them from each other.
Write the date on the bag and place in the vegetable crisper of your fridge for 6 weeks.
Step 3
Check the bag weekly to be sure the soil is still moist, if it seems to be drying out add some more moisture with a spray bottle to avoid wetting the soil too much (this can rot/mould your seeds). Also check that none of the seeds have begun to sprout, although not always common – it can happen! If any have started to sprout, remove them gently and pot them up.
Step 4
After 6 weeks remove the seeds from the fridge and if they are slightly swollen, sow them into a well-draining seed raising mix approximately 3mm deep (any that are not swollen and softer may need to go back into the fridge for longer). Gently press the soil down to ensure the seeds have good contact with the soil and moisten the soil with a mist spray; but again, not too wet.
Place the tray or pots into a light position, that is not in direct sunlight and keep moist during the entire germination period.
Temperatures for optimal germination are between 16-20°C / 60-68°F – Soil temperatures above 25°C / 77°F can induce the seeds back into dormancy, so they will not germinate and will need cold stratification again!
Seeds should begin to germinate around 3-6 weeks.
Step 5
Seedlings can be transplanted once they have at least 2 adult leaves if necessary. Keep in pots for around two years before planting out into the garden (if this is your aim).
Transplant into final position in Spring, when you are sure the last chance of any frost has passed.
Either a full sun or part shade position is preferred.
For low hedging space plants 20cm (8 inches) apart.
For tall hedging space plants 25cm (10 inches) apart.
Once established, will survive frost and drought.
Prune regularly if needed but it is important to avoid pruning in early spring, when there are still chances of frost; pruning will encourage new growth and frost will damage any new shoots.
Boxwoods take 2-3 years to mature.
