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Neatly clipped boxwood sphere in a formal gardenShrubs

Buxus sempervirens

Boxwood

boxwoodevergreenhedgingtopiaryformal garden

Boxwood is an evergreen shrub with small, glossy dark green leaves that is ideal for topiary and hedging. The plant grows slowly and can live for hundreds of years. Small green-yellow flowers appear in April and May, attracting early bees.

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Before
After

Characteristics

Sun
Partial shade, Full sun
Water
Medium
Height
100–500 cm
Spread
100–400 cm
Hardiness zone
5–8
Family
Buxaceae
Evergreen
Yes
Flower colors
green-yellow
Wildlife value
bees

Bloom period

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Care guide

Plant in partial shade or full sun in chalky, well-drained soil. Water regularly during dry spells. Feed in spring with organic fertilizer. Watch out for box tree moth and box blight — inspect regularly and act quickly if problems appear.

Pruning tips

Trim twice a year for a crisp shape: late May and early September. Prune on an overcast day to prevent leaf scorch. Use clean, sharp tools to avoid spreading infections.

Good companions

Pink-red Gallica Rose in full bloomShrubs

Rosa gallica

Gallica Rose

The Gallica Rose is one of the oldest cultivated rose species, grown since the Middle Ages. Its semi-double, vivid red-pink flowers appear in June and July and carry an intense fragrance. Decorative rose hips develop after flowering.

Full sunMedium90–120 cm
Blooming lavender with purple-blue flowers in summer sunlightShrubs

Lavandula angustifolia

English Lavender

Lavender is a beloved herb with aromatic silver-green foliage and purple-blue flower spikes. This evergreen plant blooms profusely from June to August and is remarkably drought-tolerant, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.

Full sunLow30–60 cm
Neatly trimmed yew hedge in a green gardenTrees

Taxus baccata

English Yew

English Yew is an evergreen conifer used both as a freestanding tree and as a formal hedge. Its dark green needles are densely packed and form an impenetrable screen. Female trees bear striking red berries in autumn. All parts except the berry flesh are poisonous.

Full shadeMedium1000–2000 cm