If you’ve ever admired a perfectly clipped hedge or a charming little topiary, chances are you’ve already met the humble Buxus microphylla – also known as Japanese Box. This evergreen beauty has long been a favourite in Australian gardens thanks to its lush, compact growth and easygoing nature.

Whether you prefer a neatly manicured formal look or a more relaxed, natural shape, Japanese Box is incredibly versatile and slots beautifully into just about any garden style.

Why We Love It

One of the best things about Buxus microphylla is just how adaptable it is. It takes well to pruning, so it’s perfect for tidy hedges, sculpted borders, or creative topiary work. But even when left to grow more freely, it still holds its form and offers gorgeous year-round greenery.

It’s also tough, which makes it a solid choice for a range of garden settings – whether you’re planting it near a modern home, softening the edge of a path, or using it to create structure in a cottage garden.

How to Use It in the Garden

• Hedges & Borders: With dense foliage and a naturally compact shape, Japanese Box is ideal for low to medium-height hedging. It responds well to regular trimming, so you can shape it into sharp lines or let it take on a softer, looser form.

• Topiary: Love a clipped ball, spiral, or even something more creative? Buxus is your go-to. Its small leaves and slow growth make it one of the best plants for detailed shapes.

• Foundation Plantings: Pop them near buildings or structures to break up harsh lines and bring in a bit of green all year round.

• Wet Areas: Surprisingly, Buxus handles wetter spots better than many other plants. It’s quite resistant to rot around the base, making it a good choice for gardens that hold moisture.

Planting Tips

Choose a spot that gets full sun to part shade. While Buxus will tolerate some shade, it really thrives when it gets a decent dose of sunlight each day.

Make sure your soil is loose and free-draining – if it’s heavy clay, mix in some compost or organic matter to improve the structure. Remove any weeds or debris from the area before planting.

For hedging, plant them about 300mm apart. If you want that full, lush look from top to bottom, bury the plants deep enough to hide the bare stems – this encourages bushier growth right to the ground.

Care & Maintenance

• Pruning: Give your Buxus a tidy-up in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. This helps it keep a neat shape and improves airflow through the plant.

• Feeding: Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in late winter or early spring to give it a boost. Avoid overfeeding – more isn’t always better!

• Soil Health: Every so often, top up with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and support strong, healthy growth.

Buxus microphylla is one of those classic garden staples that’s easy to love. With a bit of care, it will reward you with timeless structure, lush greenery, and endless design possibilities.