Buxus sempervirens Topiary Ball | 20cm

Buxus sempervirens, or Common Box, is the classic evergreen used for traditional topiary. Clipped into a neat rounded ball, its dense mass of small, glossy green leaves brings instant structure to a doorstep, patio, balcony or garden and stays green throughout the year.

Supplied in a 17cm diameter nursery pot at approximately 35cm overall height, with a clipped ball measuring around 20cm across, this compact topiary is easy to position while still creating plenty of impact. Display one on its own, use a matching pair to frame an entrance, or combine several to introduce repetition and structure to an outdoor space.

Position & Light

Buxus sempervirens is a versatile outdoor plant that grows well in sun or partial shade. A position with some shelter from strong drying winds and intense afternoon sunshine will help keep the foliage looking its best.

It is fully hardy across the UK and can remain outdoors throughout the year.

Watering

Keep the compost evenly moist but never waterlogged. Plants growing in containers need more regular watering than those planted in the ground, particularly during warm, dry or windy weather.

Check the compost regularly during summer and water thoroughly whenever the upper layer begins to dry. Continue to check container-grown plants during winter too, particularly if they are positioned beneath an overhang where rainfall may not reach the compost.

Feeding

Feed container-grown box during spring and summer with a balanced slow-release or liquid fertiliser to support healthy, dense green growth.

Plants growing in the ground generally need less feeding, although an annual spring mulch and general-purpose fertiliser can be beneficial.

Pruning & Maintaining the Shape

Your Buxus arrives already clipped into its rounded topiary shape. To keep it looking neat, lightly trim fresh growth during summer using clean, sharp topiary shears.

One main trim each year is usually enough for a compact ball like this, although a second light tidy can be carried out later in summer if needed. Avoid pruning during very hot, bright weather, when freshly exposed foliage may scorch.

Growing in a Container

Buxus is particularly well suited to growing in pots. For display, the 17cm nursery pot can simply be placed inside a slightly larger decorative outdoor planter.

For long-term growth, eventually move the plant into a larger container with drainage holes using a loam-based, free-draining compost. Avoid leaving the roots permanently wet and make sure excess water can escape freely.

Planting in the Garden

This topiary can also be planted directly into the ground. Choose reasonably well-drained soil and plant at approximately the same depth as it was growing in its nursery pot.

Water regularly during the first growing season while the roots establish. Once settled, box is a long-lived evergreen that can be maintained in its clipped form for many years.

Box Blight & Box Tree Caterpillar

Like all Buxus, Common Box can be affected by box blight and box tree caterpillar. Check the foliage occasionally for unusual browning, bare patches, webbing or caterpillar damage so that any problem can be identified early.

Good airflow, sensible watering and avoiding repeatedly wetting the foliage will help keep container-grown plants healthy.

Why You'll Love It

• Classic evergreen topiary with year-round structure
• Neatly clipped into an approx. 20cm rounded ball
• Compact size for doorsteps, patios and balconies
• Looks particularly effective displayed as a matching pair
• Suitable for containers or planting directly into the garden
• Happy in sun or partial shade
• Fully hardy across the UK
• Suitable for UK-wide delivery

Pet & Child Safety

Buxus sempervirens is harmful if eaten. Keep the plant out of reach of pets and young children and discourage chewing or ingestion. We also recommend washing your hands after pruning or handling cut foliage.

Plant Details

Botanical Name: Buxus sempervirens
Common Name: Common Box / Boxwood
Family: Buxaceae
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub / topiary
Nursery Pot Size: 17cm diameter
Approximate Overall Height: Around 35cm
Approximate Ball Diameter: Around 20cm
Fits Decorative Pot Size: 19cm+
Growth Habit: Dense / clipped ball
Position: Sun or partial shade
Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK
Use: Outdoor containers, patios, entrances and garden planting

UK Delivery

This smaller Buxus topiary is suitable for UK-wide delivery, as well as collection from our Edinburgh shop and local hand delivery within Edinburgh.

Please note: As this is a living plant and each topiary is individually grown and clipped, the exact height, width, density and shape will naturally vary slightly. Decorative pots shown in photos are not included. This plant is supplied in a plastic nursery pot.