Buxus sempervirens

common box - ball

• Position: partial shade
• Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: slow-growing
• Other features: contact with the sap may cause skin irritation
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  A pair of these tightly clipped box spheres look great flanking a set of steps, a doorway or a path. One of our recommended plants, they're perfect for planting in a large terracotta pot in a partially shady site, where the glossy, dark-green leaves provide all year foliage interest and structure. Box are happy growing in a sunnier spot, but the combination of dry soil and full sun may encourage poor growth and leaf scorching. If you have sandy soil it is best to keep them in a partially shady spot in the garden.
  
  
• Garden care: Ensure that the soil or compost is never allowed to dry out. Carefully cut back plants grown as hedges or topiary in mid- or late summer. Carry out rejuvenative pruning in late spring. After pruning apply a top-dressing of a balanced slow-release fertiliser such as blood, fish and bone (organic) or Osmacote (inorganic) around the base of the plant, ensuring that none touches the leaves or stems.