Plants
Boxwood
Buxus sempervirens · Buxbaumgewächse (Buxaceae)
Boxwood is the topiary plant par excellence: densely branched, evergreen and long-lived over decades. Whether as a low border, a clipped ball in a pot or an ornate figure, it gives structure to any garden or terrace. In our Düsseldorf workshop we have also long valued it as a sturdy cut green for wreaths and arrangements.
- Light
- Sun to part shade; also tolerates shade. Shade variegated varieties slightly in harsh midday sun.
- Watering
- Moderate: water deeply but infrequently. Short dry spells are tolerated, but never waterlogging.
- Care level
- Easy
- Botanical
- Buxus sempervirens
Botanically, boxwood belongs to the small family Buxaceae. Buxus sempervirens is the most widespread species in Europe and, depending on the variety, gains only a few centimetres in width per year, while living for decades. Popular choices are the slow-growing dwarf form Suffruticosa for low borders, the more vigorous Rotundifolia with larger leaves for hedges, and variegated varieties such as Elegantissima or Aureovariegata with pale-edged foliage.
In floristry, boxwood is known above all as a long-lasting cut green. The firm, leathery leaves survive astonishingly well in wreaths, door arrangements and grave decorations, which is why it is traditionally worked at All Saints, during Advent and for funeral flowers. Fresh potted balls and pyramids are also popular as seasonal table decoration and gifts.
One mark of quality is the density of branching: well-grown plants carry foliage right into the centre and can therefore be clipped cleanly into shape. When buying at the Veiling Rhein-Maas auction we look for strong, dark green, even foliage without brown patches, since drought stress and fungal infection first show in a dull leaf colour.
Stylistically, boxwood is a calm companion. As a green base structure it carries flowering accents, whether classically with roses and hydrangeas in summer or with fir, holly and red berries in the Advent season. Its formal, straight line suits both minimalist and opulent arrangements equally well.
Care
- 01Position: sun to part shade; in harsh midday sun variegated varieties need some shade so the pale leaf edges do not scorch.
- 02Soil: free-draining, humus-rich and ideally containing lime; always avoid waterlogging, which harms boxwood more than short dry spells.
- 03Watering: water deeply but rarely rather than a little every day; check potted plants regularly in summer, as they dry out faster.
- 04Pruning: clip twice a year, in late spring and late summer, on an overcast day so the fresh cuts do not brown in the sun.
- 05Feeding: feed once a year from March to June with a special boxwood fertiliser; stressed plants are more prone to box tree moth and fungi.
- 06Pests: inspect the interior regularly and watch for the box tree moth; the earlier an infestation is spotted, the easier it is to control.
Frequently asked
- Is boxwood toxic to pets and children?
- Yes. All parts of boxwood contain the alkaloid buxine and are toxic. If leaves or shoots are eaten, drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea can occur. Keep dogs, cats and small children from eating it, and it is best to wear gloves when clipping.
- Can I keep boxwood in a pot on the balcony?
- Very well indeed. The key points are a sufficiently large container with good drainage, a free-draining substrate and regular watering, as pots dry out faster. In winter the pot should be protected from freezing through, for example with fleece or by moving it against a house wall.
- Why does my boxwood get brown or bare patches?
- The most common causes are the box tree moth, which eats the foliage from the inside, as well as fungal diseases and drought stress. Check the interior of the plant, remove affected shoots generously and ensure even watering without waterlogging. A well-nourished, vigorous plant is considerably more resistant.
- Is boxwood available all year round?
- Yes. As an evergreen plant, boxwood is available all year round, both potted and as cut green. It is in particular demand in funeral flowers and during the Advent and Christmas season, when its firm, dark green carries wreaths and arrangements.