Common Box Ball

Buxus sempervirens

• 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 rounded box spheres is excellent for flanking a set of steps, doorway or path. One of our recommended plants, they're perfect for planting in a large, well-drained, 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 sunny 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.

  Plants are supplied in black plastic pots not the terracota coloured plastic in the photograph.