Buxus microphylla japonica

Common Name: Japanese Box

Description:
Buxus microphylla var. japonica, commonly known as Japanese Box, is a hardy, evergreen shrub prized for its dense growth and small, glossy green leaves. It is one of the fastest-growing box varieties, making it an excellent choice for hedging, topiary, and formal garden designs. Japanese Box is highly adaptable to Melbourne’s climate, tolerating heat, humidity, and light frost. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soil with regular watering, especially during establishment. Once mature, it is relatively drought-tolerant and requires only occasional pruning to maintain shape. Ideal for low hedges, borders, and container planting, this versatile shrub is a staple in both classic and contemporary landscapes.

Form:

• Shrub - Small

Mature Size:

• Height: 1 - 1.5m
• Width: 1 - 1.5m

Aspect:

• Full Sun
• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring (not highly ornamental)

Flower Colour:

• Creamy Yellow

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots
• Disease Resistant
• Suitable for Hedging
• Suitable for Topiary
• Drought Tolerant once established
• Low Maintenance

Toxicity:

• Mildly toxic if ingested; may cause stomach upset in pets and humans.

Companion Plants:

• Gardenias
• Camellias
• Azaleas
• Lomandra species
• Lavender (Lavandula spp.)