Common Box

A dense, evergreen screen of small, rounded, lustrous, dark green leaves. Common box makes a fabulous formal hedge for a partially shady site. One of our recommended plants, it's an excellent backdrop for traditional herbaceous borders. For maximum results plant 30cm (12in) apart in well-prepared, fertile soil and water regularly until well established.Box are happy growing in a sunny spot but the combination of dry soil and full sun may encourage poor growth and leaf scorching. If you have sandy soil it is best to keep them in a partially shady spot in the garden.Position: partial shadeSoil: fertile, well-drained soilRate of growth: slow-growingOther features: contact with the sap may cause skin irritationHardiness: fully hardyTo find out more about how to plant a hedge, click hereGarden care: Ensure that the soil or compost is never allowed to dry out. Carefully cut back plants grown as hedges or topiary in mid- or late summer. Carry out rejuvenative pruning in late spring. After pruning apply a top-dressing of a balanced slow-release fertiliser such as blood, fish and bone (organic) or Osmacote (inorganic) around the base of the plant, ensuring that none touches the leaves or stems
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