Buxus (Box) Hedging
Buxus sempervirens · Common Box
The classic choice for low formal edging, parterres and knot gardens. Small evergreen leaves and dense, steady growth take precise clipping beautifully – choose your root type below, then compare every size in one list.
From £2.16 per plant
Which root type is right for me?Plants per metre is for a single row. Prices include VAT. Bulk discounts up to 15% applied at checkout.
Which root type is right for me?
| Bare root | Root ball | Pot grown | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivered | From November | From October | All year |
| Sizes | 25–40cm | 40cm–1m | 13cm–1m |
| Cost | Lowest | Best value for height | Mid |
| Best for | Long hedges on a budget | Height fast in winter | Planting any time |
| Plant | Within days of arrival | Within a week or two | When you're ready |
How many plants per metre?
Box is planted closer than most hedging. Bare-root and small pot plants go in at 4–5 per metre for a tight low edge; larger plants at around 3 per metre. Every size in the table shows its own figure.
How fast does it grow?
Steadily – around 10–15cm a year, which is exactly why it holds such a crisp shape with just one or two trims a season.
How do I keep box looking its best?
Give it good air flow, water at the base rather than over the leaves, feed in spring and trim in late spring and again in late summer. Clean blades between hedges keep the foliage glossy and healthy.
When will my order arrive?
Pot-grown plants dispatch all year. Root-ball plants deliver from October and bare-root from November – we'll email your delivery date as soon as they're ready.
About buxus (box) hedging
Buxus hedging for formal structure and traditional gardens
Buxus hedging, commonly known as box hedging, is a classic choice for creating low, formal borders, parterres and shaped garden features. Its small evergreen leaves and dense growth make it well suited to precise clipping and traditional garden design.
Why choose buxus for hedging?
- Dense, fine foliage for crisp, formal lines
- Evergreen structure all year round
- Ideal for low hedges, borders and topiary
- Well suited to regular clipping and shaping
Important considerations before planting box hedging
Buxus remains popular for formal gardens, but it does require careful management. In recent years, box blight and box tree caterpillar have affected many plantings, particularly in warm, sheltered locations.
If you are concerned about long-term reliability, you may wish to explore proven replacements in our Box Alternatives collection.
Typical uses for buxus hedging
- Low formal hedges and edging
- Parterre gardens and knot gardens
- Shaped and clipped garden features
Planting height & spacing
Buxus hedging is most commonly planted at lower heights:
- 20–40cm – borders and detailed layouts
- 40–60cm – low formal hedging
Regular trimming helps maintain shape and density once established.
Planting tip – soil preparation
Good drainage and airflow are important when planting box. Avoid overcrowding and keep foliage dry where possible to reduce stress on plants.
Considering alternatives to box?
Many gardeners now choose blight-resistant plants that offer a similar look with fewer ongoing issues. For a direct replacement with small leaves and compact growth, see our Ilex Crenata Hedging collection.
Choosing buxus with confidence
This collection includes buxus plants supplied specifically for hedging use. Browse the products below to select the size best suited to your design and maintenance preferences.