Boxes Ball is a species of plant in the genus Buxus, native to western and southern Europe, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia. It is an evergreen shrub or tree growing to 5–15 m tall and wide, with glossy green leaves up to 8 cm long and 2.5 cm broad. The flowers are small, yellow-green and inconspicuous, with four tepals. The fruit is a small capsule containing numerous small seeds.
Benefits
Boxes Ball is commonly used as a hedging plant or as topiary, and is one of the most popular evergreen shrubs in gardens. It is very tolerant of shearing and can be easily shaped into balls, cones, or other desired shapes. It is also relatively tolerant of poor soils, salt, and shade.
How to care
Boxes Ball is easy to care for and requires little maintenance. It can be pruned at any time of year and does not require regular fertilization. It is also relatively drought-tolerant once established.
Water requirement
Boxes Ball is drought-tolerant once established, but will benefit from occasional watering during prolonged periods of drought.
Ideal temperature
Buxus prefers cool temperatures and can tolerate frost. It will not do well in hot, humid climates.
Soil requirements
Buxus is tolerant of a wide range of soils, but prefers well-drained, sandy soils. It is not tolerant of wet or waterlogged soils.
Light requirements
Boxes Ball prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Fertilizer requirements
Buxus does not require regular fertilization, but will benefit from occasional applications of compost or other organic matter.
Pruning requirements
Buxus can be pruned at any time of year and does not require special care or attention.
Pest and Disease Control
Buxus is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but can be susceptible to scale, mealybugs, and aphids. If these pests are a problem, treatment with an insecticide or fungicide may be necessary.
Landscape uses
Buxus is commonly used as a hedging plant or as topiary, and is also suitable for use as a specimen plant or in mass plantings.