Skip to content

Volume Discounts Apply At Checkout

Buxus japonica (Hedging Form) – Japanese Box

Buxus japonica (Hedging Form) – Japanese Box

Most loved for its dense glossy foliage and tolerance of heat and humidity, giving formal clipped hedges that hold up in warm and coastal climates.

Regular price $35.00
Sale price $35.00 Regular price
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
Pot size
Available batches
Size: 20cm
Current height guide
Please enquire
Pot size
20cm

Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Quantity

Order multiple sizes

Mix pot sizes and batches in one order.

Size / batchEachQuantity
20cmApprox. height: Approx. 0.1m – 0.2m$35.00
30cmApprox. height: Approx. 0.8m – 1.0m$200.00
40cmApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$340.00
50cmApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$1,350.00

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Subtotal before discounts & delivery$0.00

Delivery is calculated at checkout.

Ask a question

The fields marked * are required.

Not sure how many trees you need?

Plan your hedge

Enter the length of your boundary, then choose how closely you want to plant.

Choose your planting spacing

Enter your boundary length to see how many trees you need.

Measure only the boundary you intend to plant—exclude gates and gaps. Spacing is centre to centre. Quantities are rounded up for one row, allowing roughly half the spacing at each end. Site conditions and pruning affect the final hedge.

Compare trees

Choose two trees and compare the same pot size.

    About Buxus japonica

    Buxus japonica, commonly known as Japanese Box, is a dense, evergreen shrub valued for its glossy foliage and excellent response to clipping. In hedging form it develops a compact, formal structure with rounded green leaves held tightly along short internodes, allowing for crisp lines and precise shaping.

    It performs best in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soils with consistent moisture during establishment. Buxus japonica tolerates heat and humidity better than English Box, making it well suited to warm temperate, subtropical and coastal climates as well as cooler districts. It also tolerates frost, light shade and regular pruning, with steady rather than fast growth that makes it ideal for controlled, long-term hedge planting.

    For low to medium hedging, borders, parterres and formal garden structures in residential and civic landscapes, Buxus japonica is a dependable, hard-wearing choice. It is commonly specified where structure, symmetry and year-round greenery are required, particularly in warmer regions where English Box can struggle.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Buxus japonica Japanese Box

    How tall does Buxus japonica grow?

    Left unclipped, Buxus japonica typically reaches around 1 to 3 metres tall and 1 to 2 metres wide. Grown as a hedge it is easily kept far lower, and most formal Japanese Box hedges are maintained between knee and waist height.

    How often should a Buxus japonica hedge be clipped?

    A light clip two to three times through the growing season keeps Buxus japonica dense and sharp-edged. Frequent light trimming gives a better result than occasional hard pruning, and encourages tight, even growth.

    How is Buxus japonica different from English Box?

    Buxus japonica handles heat, humidity and coastal conditions better than English Box, and tends to hold a brighter green leaf in warm weather. It is often the preferred box for hedging in subtropical and coastal gardens where English Box can struggle.

    Is Buxus japonica frost tolerant?

    Yes. Buxus japonica is frost tolerant and handles light to moderate frost once established, so it performs well across both warm and cool districts of Australia.

    Can Buxus japonica grow in partial shade?

    Yes. Buxus japonica tolerates partial shade, though growth is densest and most even in a position with good light. A spot with full sun to part shade gives the best hedging result.

    How far apart should I plant Buxus japonica for a hedge?

    For a hedge, plant Buxus japonica roughly 0.4 to 0.6 metres apart so the plants knit together into a continuous line. Wider spacing of around 1 to 1.5 metres suits individual feature or accent planting.

    What soil does Buxus japonica prefer?

    Buxus japonica grows best in well-drained loam with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It will tolerate heavier soils where drainage is improved with organic matter, but persistently wet or compacted ground should be avoided.

    Foliage

    Evergreen (foliage year round)

    Position
    • Full Sun
    • Part Shade
    Form
    • Compact
    • Dense
    • Rounded
    Use
    • Driveway Border
    • Council or Civic Landscapes
    Mature height
    1m to 3m (unclipped)
    Mature width
    1m to 2m
    Buxus japonica (Hedging Form) – Japanese Box — project image 1

    Planting Information

    How To Plant Your Buxus japonica (Hedging Form) – Japanese Box

    Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

    Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

    Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

    Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

    Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Buxus japonica (Hedging Form) – Japanese Box

    Hedging and screening: 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 80 centimetres apart for a tighter formal hedge.

    Pot or container: A 40 to 50 centimetre wide pot suits a single specimen for courtyards, entries and balconies.

    Buxus japonica (Hedging Form) – Japanese Box is expected to grow 15cm to 30cm per year (slow to moderate).

    • Slow Growth Rate
    • Medium Growth Rate

    Long Term Care For Your Buxus japonica (Hedging Form) – Japanese Box

    Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, reduce to once weekly in dry periods. Mulch helps maintain consistent moisture.

    Mulching: Apply a 3 to 5 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone in the garden, or a thin layer of decorative pebbles in pots, keeping it clear of the trunk.

    Pruning: Tip prune in late winter and again in summer to build dense growth. For a formal hedge, light shaping two to three times a year keeps lines crisp.

    Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

    Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection for psyllids or scale in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

    Planting Your Buxus japonica (Hedging Form) – Japanese Box in Different Soil

    Buxus japonica performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

    Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

    Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

    Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

    pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

    Uses in my Garden

    Uses in my Garden

    • Driveway Border
    • Council or Civic Landscapes

    Buxus japonica (Hedging Form) – Japanese Box works in an:

    • Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
    • Heritage / Traditional Garden – timeless, classic plantings for period homes.
    • Contemporary / Architectural Garden – striking forms for bold design statements.
    • Cottage Garden – romantic mix of flowers, colour, and texture.

    Is Buxus japonica (Hedging Form) – Japanese Box Evergreen or Deciduous?

    Buxus japonica (Hedging Form) – Japanese Box is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

    Mature Height & Width

    Mature Height: 1m to 3m (unclipped)

    Mature Width: 1m to 2m

    Buxus japonica (Hedging Form) – Japanese Box is expected to grow 15cm to 30cm per year (slow to moderate).

    Growth Rate of Buxus japonica (Hedging Form) – Japanese Box

    Buxus japonica (Hedging Form) – Japanese Box is expected to grow 15cm to 30cm per year (slow to moderate).

    They are considered to have a:

    • Slow Growth Rate
    • Medium Growth Rate

    Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Buxus japonica (Hedging Form) – Japanese Box

    Is Buxus japonica (Hedging Form) – Japanese Box frost tolerant?

    Buxus japonica (Hedging Form) – Japanese Box is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

    Does Buxus japonica (Hedging Form) – Japanese Box Flower?

    Buxus japonica produces small, inconspicuous cream flowers in spring. These blooms are subtle and lightly fragrant, with the plant valued primarily for its dense glossy foliage, neat form and suitability for clipped hedging rather than its flowering display.

    Does Buxus japonica (Hedging Form) – Japanese Box flower?

    • Yes - Flowers

    Flowering Period:

    • Spring

    Flower Type:

    Flower Colour:

    Cream

    Is Buxus japonica (Hedging Form) – Japanese Box an Australian Native Tree?

    No

    Buxus japonica (Hedging Form) – Japanese Box is Native to Japan and East Asia, where Buxus japonica grows naturally in woodland and hillside settings.

    What is the Wildlife Value of Buxus japonica (Hedging Form) – Japanese Box ?

    Its dense, evergreen structure provides excellent shelter and nesting habitat for small birds and beneficial insects. While not grown for nectar-rich flowers, the compact foliage contributes to garden biodiversity by offering year-round protection and habitat within formal landscapes.

    How much Sunlight does Buxus japonica (Hedging Form) – Japanese Box need?

    Buxus japonica (Hedging Form) – Japanese Box will thrive best in:

    • Full Sun
    • Part Shade

    Preferred Soil?

    Buxus japonica performs best in well-drained loam soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It will tolerate heavier soils if drainage is improved with organic matter. Avoid persistently wet or compacted ground, as excess moisture can stress the roots and reduce vigour. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then gradually reduce watering as the hedge matures.

    Is Buxus japonica (Hedging Form) – Japanese Box Drought Tolerant?

    Is Buxus japonica (Hedging Form) – Japanese Box Drought tolerant?

    As a young plant it benefits from regular watering to establish evenly, particularly during warmer weather. Once established, Japanese Box shows moderate drought tolerance and performs reliably through dry periods when planted in well-drained soil, with occasional supplementary watering supporting best growth and foliage colour.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How tall does Buxus japonica grow?

    Left unclipped, Buxus japonica typically reaches around 1 to 3 metres tall and 1 to 2 metres wide. Grown as a hedge it is easily kept far lower, and most formal Japanese Box hedges are maintained between knee and waist height.

    How often should a Buxus japonica hedge be clipped?

    A light clip two to three times through the growing season keeps Buxus japonica dense and sharp-edged. Frequent light trimming gives a better result than occasional hard pruning, and encourages tight, even growth.

    How is Buxus japonica different from English Box?

    Buxus japonica handles heat, humidity and coastal conditions better than English Box, and tends to hold a brighter green leaf in warm weather. It is often the preferred box for hedging in subtropical and coastal gardens where English Box can struggle.

    Is Buxus japonica frost tolerant?

    Yes. Buxus japonica is frost tolerant and handles light to moderate frost once established, so it performs well across both warm and cool districts of Australia.

    Can Buxus japonica grow in partial shade?

    Yes. Buxus japonica tolerates partial shade, though growth is densest and most even in a position with good light. A spot with full sun to part shade gives the best hedging result.

    How far apart should I plant Buxus japonica for a hedge?

    For a hedge, plant Buxus japonica roughly 0.4 to 0.6 metres apart so the plants knit together into a continuous line. Wider spacing of around 1 to 1.5 metres suits individual feature or accent planting.

    What soil does Buxus japonica prefer?

    Buxus japonica grows best in well-drained loam with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It will tolerate heavier soils where drainage is improved with organic matter, but persistently wet or compacted ground should be avoided.

    How much watering does Buxus japonica need?

    While establishing, Buxus japonica needs regular watering to settle in evenly. Once established it shows moderate drought tolerance in well-drained soil, with occasional deep watering during dry spells supporting the best foliage colour.

    Compare sizes side by side

    20cm

    Approx. 0.1m – 0.2m

    30cm

    Approx. 0.8m – 1.0m

    40cm

    Enquire for current heights

    50cm

    Enquire for current heights

    Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

    Buxus japonica is loved for its dense glossy foliage and tolerance of heat and humidity, giving formal clipped hedges that hold up in warm and coastal climates.

    We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.

    Plant Your Buxus japonica (Hedging Form) – Japanese Box With:

    Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

    Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

    Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

    Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Enriched Planting Mix

    What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

    It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

    What plants is it suitable for?

    It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

    Is it safe for natives?

    No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

    Is it certified organic?

    Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

    How much do I need?

    Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

    Can I use it in pots?

    It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

    Does it need to be watered in?

    Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

    youtube Load video:

    Evergreen Trees Direct Has Been Featured In:

    Perfect Substitutes for Buxus japonica (Hedging Form) – Japanese Box

    Follow Us On Instagram

    @evergreentreesdirect ↗
    Evergreen Trees DirectEvergreen Trees DirectEvergreen Trees DirectEvergreen Trees DirectEvergreen Trees Direct
    youtube Load video: