9 named cultivars

shrub

Japanese Box

Buxus microphylla

$19.99

The Story

Plant Bio

Buxus is a genus of slow-growing, evergreen shrubs and small trees widely cultivated for formal hedging, topiary, and structured garden borders. These plants feature small, leathery leaves arranged oppositely along square stems, producing insignificant axillary flowers in spring.

The variety japonica is distinguished by its rounded, obovate leaves and superior tolerance to summer heat and humidity compared to English box. It forms a dense, compact mound that naturally bronzes to a warm yellow-brown during cold winter weather.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dense, fine-textured, uniform green structure ideal for formal hedges, topiary, and borders.

Highly tolerant of summer heat and humidity, making it a reliable structural plant for warm climates.

Offers dense nesting sites and structural over-wintering shelter for small birds, and minor nectar for beneficial insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

79 inches

Width

59 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long

Native To

Japan

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Plants By Mail

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$19.99

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with well-drained loam or sandy-clay loam in full sun to partial shade.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and backfill with organic-rich soil, ensuring the plant sits at the same level as the pot.
Water deeply upon planting and maintain regular moisture during dry spells until the root system is established.
Apply a shallow layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to protect the shallow roots.

Pro Tip

Avoid shearing hedges late in autumn; soft new flushes triggered by late pruning will scorch in winter frosts and invite Volutella blight. If the foliage turns bronze in winter, resist the urge to fertilise immediately, as this is a natural temperature response rather than a nutrient deficiency.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune or shear two to three times per year from spring through summer to maintain shape.
Apply a slow-release balanced fertiliser once a year in early spring.
Improve soil drainage in heavy soils to prevent waterlogging and root rot.

Don't

Do not prune heavily into old, leafless bare wood as regrowth is slow and patchy.
Do not cultivate soil deeply around the base of the plant due to its shallow root system.
Do not over-fertilise, as rapid tender growth is highly susceptible to frost damage.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Formal hedgesTopiaryBorder edgingFoundation plantingsContainer specimens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Japanese Box questions

What zones can Japanese Box grow in?

Japanese Box is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Japanese Box bloom?

Japanese Box typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Japanese Box need full sun?

Japanese Box does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Japanese Box drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Japanese Box handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.