Small-leaved Box
Buxus microphylla · Buxaceae
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⚠️ Buis : alcaloïdes stéroïdiens (cyclobuxine D) dans feuilles et écorce. Ingestion provoque gastroentérite, troubles nerveux, hypothermie chez animaux et humains.
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around small-leaved box and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, small leaves and dark green
- Flowering
- Spring (April-May), discreet yellow-green flowers
- Mature size
- 80 cm tall, compact and dense habit
- Growth
- Slow
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -15°C
- Origin
- Japan, China and Korea
- Soil type
- Well-drained, rich in organic matter
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Box grows slowly but steadily. Prune each year in June-July to maintain shape, but avoid cutting into old wood.
The common mistake
Cutting too short or too deep into dead wood: the plant won't regrow and will thin out permanently.
The pro's trick
Prune lightly and regularly rather than one heavy annual cut: two quick passes (June and September) give a much better shape.
Care
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist, especially during the growing season and in case of prolonged drought. Water moderately in winter. Avoid excess water which can cause fungal diseases.
Exposure
Small-leafed boxwood prefers partial shade or dappled shade. It tolerates full sun in cool regions, but in warm climates prefer light shade to avoid drying out.
Pruning and shaping
Prune lightly in late winter (February-March) to encourage density and branching. You can prune it into topiary or ball shapes with patience. Gentle annual pruning is sufficient for a natural form.
Soil and planting
Prepare well-drained soil enriched with compost. Boxwood tolerates slightly chalky soils. Plant preferably in autumn or spring, avoiding marshy areas.
Fertiliser
Apply balanced fertiliser in spring when vegetation resumes. An application of organic matter or compost in autumn contributes to the plant's vitality. Excessive fertiliser is not necessary.
Diseases and pests
Watch for boxwood leafminer and spider mite infestations, particularly in warm and dry climates. Avoid stagnant moisture which favours fungal growth. Good air circulation prevents most problems.
Did you know?
Boxwood has been used since antiquity for ornamental topiary and French formal gardens, notably at Versailles. Its extremely hard and fine wood was long used to make combs, flute keys and small art objects. This species remains an essential classic in European formal gardens.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- BoxwoodBuxus sempervirens
- Japanese pachysandraPachysandra terminalis
- Sweet boxSarcococca ruscifolia
- Himalayan sweet boxSarcococca hookeriana
- Balearic boxwoodBuxus balearica
- Christmas boxSarcococca orientalis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.