This slow growing long-lived shrub has upright woody stems that form a dense rounded habit. It has elliptical dark glossy green leaves and the small greenish flowers appear in a cluster during spring but are not commonly seen.

Hardiness zones 5 to 10

Buxus sempervirensis naturally found from southern Europe to northern Africa and western Asia growing in well drained fertile moist limestone based soils with a pH range from 6.5 to 7.5 in a semi shaded to full sun position and is drought sensitive but frost tolerant.

Common Box is grown for its foliage and bushy habit. It is planted along borders for screening or trimmed to form a formal hedge, tolerating close clipping. It is suitable for cool-mountain and coastal regions establishing in 3-5 years and is moderately long lived. It may also be used as topiary subject and is commonly planted in formal gardens. This shrub can be grown in large pots or planter boxes but care must be taken to keep the soil constantly moist.ID 376

Buxus(BUKS-us) sempervirens(sem-per-VI-renz)

Buxus`: box - the ancient Latin name for this plant; 'microphylla`: small leaves; 'sempervirens`: evergreen.

Buxaceae (buks-AY-see-ee)