common box
Also known as: Abassian boxwood; European box
A large, evergreen shrub or small tree to 5m tall, with glossy, dark green leaves to 3cm long, and small, yellowish flowers in clusters, produced in the leaf axils during spring
Scientific classification
- Species
- common box (Buxus sempervirens)
- Genus
- Buxus
- Family
- Buxaceae
- Information to be completed
- Toxicity
- Shrubs · Trees
- Plant type
- 4-8 metres
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- Evergreen
- Foliage
- Bushy
- Habit
- Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
- Season of interest
- Full shade · Partial shade
- Sunlight
- 15 – 25 °C
- Ideal temperature
common box pictures
Distribution of common box
Distribution map
Southwestern Eurasia, Northern Africa
Information to be completed
Culture
Information to be completed
Toxicity
Information to be completed
Quick identification of common box
Information to be completed
common box care guide
- Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
- Watering
- Full shade · Partial shade
- Sunlight
- 15 – 25 °C
- Ideal temperature
Watering
Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
Fertilizing
FertilizingBalanced perennial feed every four weeks from spring through summer
Pruning
PruningUsually little pruning is needed. Lightly shape if necessary, removing dead, damaged or diseased shoots. Prune after flowering.
Propagation
PropagationPropagate from semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Growing
GrowingGrows best in well-drained soil in partial shade; can be scorched by sun and strong winds in dry soils. Susceptible to a number of box problems, see box cultivation
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Common pests and diseases
Diseases
May be susceptible to a leaf spot, box blight and, rarely, honey fungus
Pests
May be susceptible to box tree caterpillar, box sucker, mussel scale and red spider mite
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