Buxus microphylla ‘Japonica’, commonly known as Japanese Box or Japanese Boxwood, is one of the most popular and reliable evergreen shrubs used in formal gardening. It is renowned for its dense, fine-textured foliage consisting of small, light-green, oval leaves that darken with maturity. It has a naturally compact, mounding habit but responds exceptionally well to shearing, making it the classic choice for creating low formal hedges, parterre gardens, knots, and topiary shapes (like balls and cones). It is significantly hardier and more tolerant of sun, heat, and drought than the common English Box (Buxus sempervirens).
Care Tips:
- Position: Thrives in a position with full sun to part shade. It is very adaptable, but deep shade can lead to sparse growth.
- Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil but is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including poor, sandy, and clay soils, provided they do not become waterlogged.
- Watering: Water well until established. Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant, but regular watering in very hot or dry periods will keep the foliage lush and vibrant.
- Pruning: Prune regularly and frequently (e.g., every 6-8 weeks during the growing season) to maintain a dense, formal shape. It can be lightly trimmed to shape or pruned hard if needed.
- Fertilising: Feed in spring and early autumn with a slow-release fertiliser or a specific boxwood fertiliser to encourage dense, healthy growth.
- Pests/Diseases: Generally resilient, but keep an eye out for leaf miner, scale, and fungal diseases, particularly in humid climates. Good air circulation is essential.
