{"product_id":"big-deal-box-hedging-50-60cm-root-ball-x-40-delivery-october","title":"Big Deal Box hedging 50-60cm Root Ball x 40 Delivery October","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTimeless Evergreen Structure for Formal Gardens and Beyond\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBuxus sempervirens\u003c\/em\u003e, commonly known as Common Box, is one of Britain's most beloved and enduring evergreen shrubs. Prized for centuries for its dense, slow-growing habit and small, glossy dark green leaves, it is the definitive choice for formal hedging, topiary, knot gardens, and structured planting schemes of all kinds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEqually at home in traditional walled gardens, contemporary courtyard designs, and everything in between, Common Box delivers reliable year-round foliage, a refined appearance, and exceptional versatility in the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHabit \u0026amp; Appearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA compact, dense evergreen shrub\u003c\/strong\u003e with a naturally bushy, upright form, \u003cem\u003eBuxus sempervirens\u003c\/em\u003e produces small, oval, leathery leaves in a rich, lustrous dark green. Its naturally tight branching structure makes it uniquely suited to clipping into precise shapes — from crisp hedging lines to spheres, cones, spirals, and more elaborate topiary forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth is characteristically slow\u003c\/strong\u003e, typically 10–15cm per year, which means established plants hold their shape well and require only minimal maintenance to look their best. In late spring, small, inconspicuous yellow-green flowers appear, which are mildly fragrant and attractive to bees. Left unclipped, plants will gradually develop into a rounded, multi-stemmed shrub reaching 3–5m over many years, though most gardeners maintain Box at a much lower height through regular trimming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Conditions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eBuxus sempervirens\u003c\/em\u003e is exceptionally adaptable in terms of light. It thrives in full sun through to deep shade, making it one of very few plants that can provide evergreen structure in difficult, shaded spots beneath trees or alongside walls.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Common Box prefers a fertile, well-drained soil and performs well across a wide range of soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, provided drainage is reasonable. It dislikes prolonged waterlogging, which can lead to root stress. On poorer soils, incorporating organic matter at planting time and applying a balanced spring feed will encourage healthy, steady growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fully hardy throughout the UK and most of northern Europe, \u003cem\u003eBuxus sempervirens\u003c\/em\u003e is a reliable, long-lived garden plant that requires no winter protection once established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCare\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep plants consistently moist during the first growing season while they establish their root systems. Once settled, Common Box is reasonably drought-tolerant, though watering during extended dry spells will help maintain lush, healthy foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Apply a slow-release, balanced fertiliser or a specialist box fertiliser in spring to support steady growth and maintain the deep green colour of the foliage. A light top-dressing of well-rotted compost around the base each year is also beneficial.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning \u0026amp; clipping:\u003c\/strong\u003e For formal hedging and topiary, clip once or twice a year — ideally in late spring after the first flush of growth, and again in early autumn if a second trim is needed. Avoid clipping during periods of frost or very hot, dry weather, as freshly cut foliage is more susceptible to scorch and cold damage. When shaping topiary, use sharp, clean shears or blades to achieve crisp edges and reduce the risk of disease.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePests \u0026amp; disease:\u003c\/strong\u003e Box is susceptible to box blight (\u003cem\u003eCylindrocladium buxicola\u003c\/em\u003e) and box tree caterpillar (\u003cem\u003eCydalima perspectalis\u003c\/em\u003e). Good air circulation around plants, avoiding overhead watering, and prompt removal of affected material will help manage blight risk. Inspect plants regularly for caterpillar damage and treat as necessary using appropriate biological or chemical controls.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePerfect For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Box is the classic choice\u003c\/strong\u003e for formal low hedging, parterres, and knot gardens. It is equally well suited to use as a specimen topiary plant — clipped into balls, cones, spirals, or bespoke shapes — and works beautifully as a structural anchor in mixed borders, container planting, and courtyard gardens. Its tolerance of shade makes it invaluable for bringing year-round evergreen presence to spots where few other shrubs will thrive.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Grasslands Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57397537014086,"sku":"173977","price":742.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0796\/7948\/8326\/files\/Big-Deal-Box-hedging-50-60cm-Root-Ball-x-40-Delivery-October_173977_2026-09-17.jpg?v=1789637041","url":"https:\/\/www.grasslands.co.uk\/products\/big-deal-box-hedging-50-60cm-root-ball-x-40-delivery-october","provider":"Grasslands Nursery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}