Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls

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Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls

$300.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 30cm/33cm

30cm/33cm 40cm/45L 50cm 70cm 200L

Current Stock Height Guides

30cm/33cm: 0.6m – 0.75m Approx.
40cm/45L: 1m – 1.2m Approx.
75L: Enquire within for height guide information.

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 mustconfirm 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.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 1m to 2m (approx.)

Mature Width: 1.2m to 1.5m

Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls is expected to grow 15cm to 25cm per year (approx.).

Root Ball Dimensions

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

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Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the pallet space your order occupies in the truck and your delivery location.

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Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

About Your New Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls

Buxus microphylla var. japonica, sold as Japanese Box, is a dense evergreen shrub clipped here into clean topiary balls. The small, rounded, mid green leaves sit tightly along short stems, so the surface holds a crisp edge after cutting. Growth is naturally compact, which is what allows the ball shape to hold between trims.

It grows in full sun to part shade and accepts most soils that drain, from sandy loam through to improved clay. Cool temperate, temperate and subtropical districts all suit it, and established plants handle light to moderate frost. Growth runs about 15 to 25 centimetres a year, slow enough that the shape stays where you put it.

Balls are used to edge beds and paths, mark an entry, sit either side of a doorway, or repeat down a courtyard to give a planting rhythm. They also underplant feature trees neatly. Because the form arrives already grown, a bed reads finished from the day it goes in rather than years later.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Japanese Box Topiary Balls

What is a Japanese Box topiary ball?

It is Buxus microphylla var. japonica grown on and clipped into a sphere. The plant does the same job as any box shrub, evergreen, small leaved and tolerant of cutting, but it arrives already shaped. Ball diameters run from around 30 centimetres up to large advanced specimens, and the shape is then held with two trims a year.

How big do Japanese Box topiary balls get?

The ball is held at whatever diameter it is clipped to, commonly 30 to 70 centimetres, with larger specimens available in bigger containers. In the ground, overall height sits close to the ball diameter. Left entirely unclipped the species would slowly reach roughly 1.5 to 2 metres tall and wide over many years.

How fast does Japanese Box grow?

About 15 to 25 centimetres a year, which is slow to moderate. That pace is an advantage in topiary because the outline drifts gradually rather than running away between cuts. Two trims a year, one in early spring and one in late summer, are usually enough to keep the surface tight and the profile even.

Does it need sun or shade?

Full sun to part shade both work. Full sun gives the densest, tightest surface, which matters when the appeal of the plant is a clean clipped edge. In hot inland gardens some afternoon shade prevents leaf scorch and bronzing. Deep shade thins the growth out and the ball loses its crisp outline.

Is Japanese Box frost tolerant?

Yes. Established plants handle light to moderate frost without damage, which covers most temperate and cool temperate gardens including Canberra, Melbourne and the southern tablelands. Newly planted stock is more exposed, so water it well going into winter and mulch the root zone. Any frost burnt tips can simply be trimmed off in spring.

Can Japanese Box topiary balls grow in pots?

Yes, they are one of the better plants for a container. A pot 40 to 50 centimetres wide suits a single ball for a courtyard, entry or balcony. Use a quality potting mix, water once the top few centimetres dry out, and feed in spring and again in summer. Repot or refresh the mix every few years.

How do I care for Japanese Box topiary balls?

Trim twice a year with sharp shears, cutting lightly and often rather than hard. Feed in early spring with a slow release fertiliser and keep water up through summer. Mulch to about 50 millimetres, keeping it clear of the stem. Watch for box psyllid on soft new growth and treat early if the tips start to cup.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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.

View full details

Type: Garden Supplies

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Type: Australian Native

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Uses in my Garden

Shrubs
Screening or Privacy
Groundcovers
Underplanting
Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots

Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls works in an:

Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Mediterranean Style Garden – timeless courtyard look with stone, pots, and bold greenery.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Is Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls Evergreen or Deciduous?

Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 1m to 2m (approx.)

Mature Width: 1.2m to 1.5m

Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls is expected to grow 15cm to 25cm per year (approx.).

Growth Rate of Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls

Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls is expected to grow 15cm to 25cm per year (approx.).

They are considered to have a:

Slow Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls

Is Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls frost tolerant?

Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

Does Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls Flower?

Buxus japonica produces very small, pale yellow spring flowers that sit quietly among the foliage. Though subtle, these blooms provide a light pollen source for native bees and beneficial insects.

Does Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls flower?

No - Doesn't Flower

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Not Applicable

Flower Colour:

Not Applicable

Is Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls an Australian Native Tree?

No

Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls is Native to Japan and East Asia, where it grows naturally in temperate forest margins.

What is the Wildlife Value of Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls ?

Its evergreen, tightly branched form provides shelter for small insects and ground-dwelling wildlife, while the early-season flowers support native bees and hoverflies. The dense canopy also enhances micro-habitats within structured and ornamental garden designs.

How much Sunlight does Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls need?

Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preferred Soil?

Buxus japonica performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions. It may struggle in heavy clay or poorly drained areas unless improved with organic matter to boost aeration and reduce compaction. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as it matures and maintains its strong, compact form.

Is Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls Drought Tolerant?

Is Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls Drought tolerant?

As a young plant it requires regular watering, but once established Buxus japonica develops moderate drought tolerance. It performs reliably in low-water gardens and maintains its dense, formal topiary shape with occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.

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How To Plant Your Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls

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 Japanese Box Topiary Balls

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

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

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

Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls is expected to grow 15cm to 25cm per year (approx.).

Slow Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, this is drought tolerant and only needs a deep soak during extended dry periods.

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 in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls in Different Soil

Buxus japonica performs best in free-draining loam or sandy loam with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is sharp.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch lightly to moderate surface temperature.

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

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

pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline preferred. Avoid waterlogging at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between English Box and Japanese Box?

English Box (Buxus sempervirens) is typically slower growing, with smaller, darker green leaves, and is often preferredfor very formal hedges and intricate topiary. Japanese Box (Buxus Japonica) grows slightly faster, has larger, lighter green leaves, and is more tolerant of heat and humidity, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of climates. Both are excellent for hedging, but Japanese Box is often chosen for its faster growth and adaptability to different environmental conditions.

How often should I prune my Japanese Boxwood?

Japanese Boxwood should be pruned at least once a year, preferably in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. For formal hedges or topiary, more frequent trimming may be necessary to maintain a sharp, clean shape.

Can Buxus Japonica tolerate full shade?

Yes, Buxus Japonica can tolerate full shade, though it thrives best in full sun to partial shade. In full shade, the growth may be slightly slower, and the foliage may not be as dense.

Is Buxus Japonica drought-tolerant?

Buxus Japonica has moderate drought tolerance once established. However, regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods, to maintain its lush appearance and prevent stress on the plant.

What soil is best for growing Japanese Boxwood?

Japanese Boxwood prefers well-draining, loamy soil with a neutral pH. It is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including sandy and clay soils, as long as they are amended to improve drainage and fertility.

How close should I plant Japanese Boxwood for a hedge?

For a dense hedge, plant Japanese Boxwood 30-50 cm apart. Closer spacing will result in a quicker fill-in, while widerspacing may require more time for the plants to merge.

How do I prevent diseases and pests in my Japanese Boxwood?

Ensure proper spacing and good air circulation around your Japanese Boxwood to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Regularly inspect the foliage for pests like boxwood mites or leafminers, and treat them promptly with appropriate insecticides or organic alternatives if needed.

Can I grow Japanese Boxwood in containers?

Yes, Japanese Boxwood is well-suited for container growing. Choose a large pot with good drainage, and use a high-quality potting mix. Regular watering and fertilizing will help maintain its health and appearance in a container setting.