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Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls

Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls

Most loved for its dense, small-leaved evergreen foliage and classic clipped ball form, perfect for formal gardens and entrances.

Regular price $230.00
Sale price $230.00 Regular price
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
Pot size
Available batches
Size: 30cm/33cm
Current height guide
Please enquire
Pot size
30cm/33cm

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
30cm/33cmApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$230.00
40cm/45LApprox. height: Approx. 0.4m – 0.5m$340.00
50cm/75LApprox. height: Approx. 0.4m – 0.5m$560.00
100LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$1,360.00
200LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$1,490.00

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.

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    About Buxus sempervirens

    Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls are pre-clipped formal evergreen specimens, available in three mature sizes and ready to place. The tight, fine, dark green foliage holds a precise rounded form year-round and gives the classic formal topiary look that no other Buxus replicates. As one of our most consistently strong-selling products, our English Box topiary balls are well-shaped, well-rooted, and arrive in proportion to the pot size.

    English Box performs best in cool to temperate climates and is slow growing at around 15 to 25 cm per year in good conditions, which is exactly why it holds sharp formal shapes so well. It thrives in full sun to part shade with well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral loamy soil, and is frost hardy, drought tolerant once established, and excellent in containers. Two light clips per year, in spring and again in late summer, keep the ball form crisp.

    Use them flanking entrances, lining formal pathways, anchoring symmetrical garden beds, defining parterre and knot gardens, and in pairs in classic urns and decorative pots at front doors. Buxus sempervirens is the original topiary plant and remains the benchmark for traditional and contemporary formal design, with a level of finesse and density that fast-growing alternatives cannot replicate.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls

    What size are the English Box topiary balls when they arrive?

    Our English Box topiary balls arrive pre-clipped and ready to place at the size you order. The 30cm/33cm pots have ball diameters of approximately 30 to 45 cm, the 40cm/45L pots have ball diameters of 40 to 55 cm, and the 50cm/75L pots have ball diameters of 50 to 70 cm. They are well-rooted and in proportion to the pot.

    How fast does Buxus sempervirens grow?

    English Box is slow-growing, adding approximately 15 to 25 cm per year once established in good conditions. This slow growth rate is one of the reasons it holds sharp formal shapes so well, and why mature pre-clipped specimens command a premium over seedling-grown stock.

    What is the difference between English Box, Japanese Box, and Shaggy Box?

    English Box (Buxus sempervirens) has the smallest, finest leaves and the tightest formal texture, ideal for traditional parterres and clipped balls. Japanese Box (Buxus microphylla japonica) has slightly larger leaves, grows faster, and handles heat better. Shaggy Box (Buxus bodinieri) has soft, rounded leaves, much better blight resistance, and is the best choice for humid subtropical climates where English Box can struggle.

    Where does English Box grow best in Australia?

    English Box performs best in cool to temperate regions including Victoria, the ACT, the NSW Southern Highlands and Central Tablelands, Tasmania, and the elevated parts of South Australia and Western Australia. In humid coastal or hot subtropical regions, consider Buxus bodinieri Shaggy Box or Japanese Box instead for better long-term performance.

    How do I prune English Box topiary balls?

    Lightly clip in spring and again in late summer or early autumn to maintain the ball shape. Avoid pruning in the heat of summer or during frost periods. Use sharp shears for the cleanest formal finish, and step back regularly to check the symmetry of the form.

    Can English Box grow in pots?

    Yes. English Box is the classic potted topiary plant and pre-clipped balls look particularly striking in pairs at entrances and on terraces. Use a minimum 30L pot for the 30cm/33cm size and scale up from there, with a quality potting mix and a slow-release fertiliser applied twice yearly.

    Is English Box susceptible to disease?

    English Box can be affected by box blight, particularly in humid conditions where foliage stays wet. To reduce risk, ensure good air circulation around each plant, avoid overhead watering, and prune to maintain airflow through the canopy. In high-humidity regions, Buxus bodinieri Shaggy Box is a more disease-resistant alternative.

    Foliage

    Evergreen (foliage year round)

    Position
    • Full Sun
    Form
    • Topiary Form
    • Rounded
    • Shrub
    Use
    • Shrubs
    • Screening or Privacy
    • Groundcovers
    • Underplanting
    • Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots
    Mature height
    Naturally grows 2m to 5m (approx.) (Topiary height is maintained by pruning)
    Mature width
    0.5m to 1.2m
    Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls — project image 1

    Planting Information

    How To Plant Your Buxus sempervirens English 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 sempervirens English 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.

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

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

    • Slow Growth Rate

    Long Term Care For Your Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls

    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 sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls in Different Soil

    Buxus sempervirens 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

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

    Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls works in an:

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

    Is Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls Evergreen or Deciduous?

    Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

    Mature Height & Width

    Mature Height: Naturally grows 2m to 5m (approx.) (Topiary height is maintained by pruning)

    Mature Width: 0.5m to 1.2m

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

    Growth Rate of Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls

    Buxus sempervirens English 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 sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls

    Is Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls frost tolerant?

    Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

    Does Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls Flower?

    Buxus sempervirens produces tiny, pale yellow spring flowers that are subtle but pleasantly fragrant. These little blooms provide a valuable early pollen source for native bees and hoverflies, even though they are not showy.

    Does Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls flower?

    • Yes - Flowers

    Flowering Period:

    • Spring

    Flower Type:

    • Not Applicable

    Flower Colour:

    Not Applicable

    Is Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls an Australian Native Tree?

    No

    Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls is Native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, where Buxus sempervirens grows naturally in woodlands and rocky slopes.

    What is the Wildlife Value of Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls ?

    Its evergreen, tightly branched structure offers shelter for small insects and ground-dwelling wildlife, while its fragrant spring flowers support early-season pollinators. The dense canopy also enhances micro-habitats within classic, formal and cottage-style gardens.

    How much Sunlight does Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls need?

    Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls will thrive best in:

    • Full Sun

    Preferred Soil?

    Buxus sempervirens 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 enhance 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 sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls Drought Tolerant?

    Is Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls Drought tolerant?

    As a young plant it requires regular watering, but once established Buxus sempervirens 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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What size are the English Box topiary balls when they arrive?

    Our English Box topiary balls arrive pre-clipped and ready to place at the size you order. The 30cm/33cm pots have ball diameters of approximately 30 to 45 cm, the 40cm/45L pots have ball diameters of 40 to 55 cm, and the 50cm/75L pots have ball diameters of 50 to 70 cm. They are well-rooted and in proportion to the pot.

    How fast does Buxus sempervirens grow?

    English Box is slow-growing, adding approximately 15 to 25 cm per year once established in good conditions. This slow growth rate is one of the reasons it holds sharp formal shapes so well, and why mature pre-clipped specimens command a premium over seedling-grown stock.

    What is the difference between English Box, Japanese Box, and Shaggy Box?

    English Box (Buxus sempervirens) has the smallest, finest leaves and the tightest formal texture, ideal for traditional parterres and clipped balls. Japanese Box (Buxus microphylla japonica) has slightly larger leaves, grows faster, and handles heat better. Shaggy Box (Buxus bodinieri) has soft, rounded leaves, much better blight resistance, and is the best choice for humid subtropical climates where English Box can struggle.

    Where does English Box grow best in Australia?

    English Box performs best in cool to temperate regions including Victoria, the ACT, the NSW Southern Highlands and Central Tablelands, Tasmania, and the elevated parts of South Australia and Western Australia. In humid coastal or hot subtropical regions, consider Buxus bodinieri Shaggy Box or Japanese Box instead for better long-term performance.

    How do I prune English Box topiary balls?

    Lightly clip in spring and again in late summer or early autumn to maintain the ball shape. Avoid pruning in the heat of summer or during frost periods. Use sharp shears for the cleanest formal finish, and step back regularly to check the symmetry of the form.

    Can English Box grow in pots?

    Yes. English Box is the classic potted topiary plant and pre-clipped balls look particularly striking in pairs at entrances and on terraces. Use a minimum 30L pot for the 30cm/33cm size and scale up from there, with a quality potting mix and a slow-release fertiliser applied twice yearly.

    Is English Box susceptible to disease?

    English Box can be affected by box blight, particularly in humid conditions where foliage stays wet. To reduce risk, ensure good air circulation around each plant, avoid overhead watering, and prune to maintain airflow through the canopy. In high-humidity regions, Buxus bodinieri Shaggy Box is a more disease-resistant alternative.

    How do I plant a topiary ball?

    Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with slightly acidic to neutral loamy soil. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth, mix compost through the backfill, set the topiary ball so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil, and water in deeply. Mulch around the base, keeping the mulch clear of the trunk.

    Compare sizes side by side

    30cm/33cm

    Enquire for current heights

    40cm/45L

    Approx. 0.4m – 0.5m

    50cm/75L

    Approx. 0.4m – 0.5m

    100L

    Enquire for current heights

    200L

    Enquire for current heights

    Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

    Buxus sempervirens is loved for its dense, small-leaved evergreen foliage and classic clipped ball form, perfect for formal gardens and entrances.

    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 sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls With:

    Trachelospermum jasminoides – Star Jasmine

    Trachelospermum jasminoides, commonly called Star Jasmine, is an evergreen twining climber, and despite the name it is not a true jasmine. Stems wind through wire and lattice and build a woody framework over time, carrying oval, glossy dark green leaves. Scented white flowers shaped like five pointed stars open through spring and summer.

    Full sun gives the heaviest flowering, though it grows perfectly well in part shade. Any free draining soil will do. Growth is moderate at 30 to 50 centimetres a year. It is frost tolerant once established, handles salt wind and short dry periods, and performs from Perth and Adelaide through to Sydney and Brisbane.

    On a fence or wall it covers 2 to 3 metres of support, more with age and training. Left unsupported it spreads as a groundcover 30 to 45 centimetres deep, useful on batters and under established trees. It is the standard answer when a boundary needs green cover without the bulk of a hedge.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Star Jasmine

    What is Star Jasmine?

    Trachelospermum jasminoides is an evergreen twining climber from east Asia, and despite the common name it is not a true jasmine. It builds a woody framework of stems carrying glossy dark green leaves, and produces scented white flowers shaped like five pointed stars. It is grown as a climber, a groundcover or a clipped cover.

    How fast does Star Jasmine grow?

    Growth is moderate at about 30 to 50 centimetres a year once established. The first year is slow while the roots develop, and the pace picks up noticeably in the second and third seasons. Regular water and a spring feed speed things along, and plants tied in early cover a fence faster than those left to find their own way.

    Does Star Jasmine need sun or shade?

    It grows in full sun through to part shade. Full sun produces the tightest growth and by far the most flowers, while shaded plants stay leafier with sparse flowering. In hot inland gardens some afternoon shade prevents leaf scorch. Against a west facing wall, make sure the roots stay mulched and watered.

    Is Star Jasmine frost tolerant?

    Yes, established plants handle light to moderate frost without damage, though the leaves often take on a bronze or purple tone through winter and green up again in spring. Young plants in their first winter are more vulnerable and benefit from a sheltered position or a temporary cover in cold inland districts.

    Can Star Jasmine be used as a groundcover?

    Yes. Left without support it spreads sideways into a dense mat roughly 30 to 45 centimetres deep, which is a common way to cover batters, median strips and the ground under established trees. Space plants about 1 metre apart for cover within two seasons, and trim the runners back off paths.

    Is Star Jasmine suitable for coastal positions?

    It handles coastal conditions well, including salt laden wind and sandy soil, provided it is not in the front line of direct salt spray. Improve sandy ground with compost before planting and mulch to hold moisture. It is used widely on coastal fences and retaining walls along the eastern and southern seaboard.

    How do I care for Star Jasmine?

    Water through the first two summers, after which it asks for very little. Prune after flowering, cutting back long runners and thinning the framework if it has built up thick and woody. It takes a hard cut back and reshoots. Feed in early spring. Wear gloves when pruning, as the milky sap can irritate skin.

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