Buxus sempervirens 'ARBORESCENS' common box

If you are looking for a nice, evergreen plant that can be either trimmed to a desired shape or quite the contrary – left to its own devices, look no further.

Arborescens is superb variety of English box with medium slow, dense growth. It is a reliable shrub with small, semi-glossy, dark green, ovate leaves. Unlike some other sports whose leaves turn brown in harsh frost, their colour remains green in winter.

It is ideal for shaping. Prune it first in early spring after danger of bad frost (to encourage branching) and later in mid summer (for shaping). It can be used in a mixed border, or as a solo specimen (when shaped), or put in a terracotta pot on your patio.

Topiaries are usually recommended for planting in locations sheltered from freezing winds, however, we experienced no visible damage in temperatures down to -27°C. The plant itself is likely to withstand -30°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 10-01-2009.