Common Name:
Pencil box, Upright Buxus.
Description:
An interesting form of the Box family. Naturally forms a dense, upright columnar form.
Flower:
Very tiny, insignificant flowers during summer.
Size:
2m x 50cm
Growing Conditions:
Will tolerate a wide range of soils but prefers a rich well soil that drains well.
Does best in full sun but this only needs to be half day or so. They will grow in semi-shady spots but tend to open up a little and lose that wonderful compact shape.
Care:
Buxus are heavy feeders so regular applications of a slow release fertiliser will keep them looking lush and green.
Prune as necessary to control shape and size. An occasional gentle trim is all that is needed.
Uses:
- A neat plant where a thin vertical line is needed. Provides contrast and height to a garden bed.
- Use to accentuate entranceways, doors, stairs etc. Can be grown well in large pots.
- Use to define paths, driveways or as a thin hedge along a wall.
Comment:
As part of the Buxus family this form is still prone to the Buxus Blight. However as they are usually used as stand-alone features we feel that they are much less at risk and can be managed easier in terms of pruning and spraying. You can red our fact sheet here…