Buxus (Buxaceae) commonly known as box or boxwood is one of the oldest ornamental plants. It is thought to have been used in formal hedges by the ancient Egyptians and then later by the Ancient Greeks and Romans.

Well over 80 species exist, growing in Europe and the Mediterranean regions, Asia, NW India, Central America, Africa and the West Indies, as detailed on the map below. All box is evergreen with opposite dark green leaves, although some of the Asiatic varieties are paler. The plant flowers fragrently in early spring, bearing tiny mimosa-like flowers clustered in the leaf axils. The six seeds, black and glossy when ripe, are dehisced from their rounded capsule for a metre or so, but few will germinate.

In the wild it is found on chalk and limestone, such as that on Box Hill, near Dorking, but will grow most soils. If planted in relatively acid soils the leaves will appear paler and you may need to add dolomitic lime to the soil in winter to reduce the acidity. In addition, if you have plants in an position where they receive a lot of sun and wind they may become bronzed especially during the winter, whereas those grown in the shade become glaucous green.

Even today box is still prized for its dense hard wood and was in the past engraved and used as printing blocks. Other uses included rulers, musical instruments and dagger handles, but it is now largely grown for its ornamental value.

Box is not just for hedging, but can also be used for topiary or as specimens. Your garden will be enriched by the evergreen beauty of its various shapes and forms, especially in winter.

For books on Box and Topiary click here.