Garden Design #51

Buxus sempervirens, commonly known as English Box, is a classic evergreen shrub favoured for its lush, dark green foliage and versatility in shaping. With its dense, slow-growing habit, this species is ideal for formal hedging, topiary, and structured planting. It responds well to regular trimming and provides year-round structure and greenery.

Well suited to formal, Mediterranean, and traditional garden designs, it is often used to define borders, pathways, or create feature shapes.

Plant in full sun to part shade, in well-drained soil with moderate moisture. For hedging, space 30–40 cm apart to achieve a dense, uniform effect.

Mature size: Reaches approximately 1.5 metres high and wide if left untrimmed, forming a dense, rounded shrub.

Need a few? Same plants, better price, free shipping. Click here to check out the Box Lot!

Shop our Flat-packs with buxus: Pre-designed gardens - Choose the length. Get the plan + the plants delivered to your door.
Buxus + Lavender + Rose
Buxus + Lavender
Magnolia, Helleborus, Rhododendron & Buxus
Pleached Hornbeam + Ligularia + Buxus
Pleached Hornbeam + Forget Me Not + Rhododendron + Buxus
Thuja, Buxus & Acaena
Carpinus + Buxus

Get inspiration from our Plant Locator tool with these gardens containing buxus.
Garden Design #78
Garden Design #71
Garden Design #55
Garden Design #58
Garden Design #51
Garden Design #36
Garden Design #35
Garden Design #12
Garden Design #9
Garden Design #5

Choisya ternata, commonly known as the Mexican Orange Blossom, is a captivating evergreen shrub that offers a multitude of sensory delights. With its aromatic, glossy, green leaves, this shrub is a feast for the eyes and senses with the leaves releasing a mild fragrance, reminiscent of basil when crushed. From late spring to early summer, the plant bursts into a profusion of star-shaped, pure white flowers that are rich in nectar and adored by bees and butterflies. These flowers also emit a divine scent similar to orange blossoms. Native to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, the Choisya ternata is a hardy plant that thrives in well-drained soils and is tolerant of dry periods and moderate frost. It grows in a rounded shape, reaching up to 1.5m in height and width, and requires low maintenance. This versatile shrub is perfect for various garden styles and uses, including mixed plantings, borders, and outdoor living areas.

Need a few? Same plants, better price, free shipping. Click here to check out the Box Lot!

Hosta sieboldiana Elegans.  This grandfather of large blue hostas is a gem - thick, round, corrugated blue leaves. White summer flowers with a lavender blush.

Pachysandra terminalis Green Sheen or commonly known as Japanese Spurge, is an excellent evergreen ground cover plant that features glossy, dark green leaves with a unique sheen that reflects the sunlight beautifully. Growing up to 20-30cm high and spreading to fill in space over time, it's perfect for filling in shaded areas under trees or shrubs, or on slopes where it can help prevent soil erosion.

Thriving in partial to full shade, this low-maintenance plant is highly valued for its year-round interest and robust growth in challenging garden areas. In spring, it produces small, fragrant white flowers that add a touch of delicacy against the backdrop of its glossy leaves. Tolerant of dry shade once established, it appreciates well-drained, humus-rich soil and regular watering in dry periods to maintain its vigour and lustre. Green Sheen is a great choice for low-maintenance gardens, providing an attractive, reliable cover that's both functional and visually appealing.

Need a few? Same plants, better price, free shipping. Click here to check out the Box Lot!

Myosotidium hortensia, commonly known as the Chatham Island Forget-me-not, is a  perennial found naturally on the Chatham Islands. It has stunningly large, glossy, emerald-green leaves and produces clusters of deep blue flowers. These flowers emerge in late spring, forming a mesmerising contrast against its vibrant foliage. With a broad, clump-forming habit, this plant can serve as an incredible focal point in gardens, particularly in coastal and woodland settings.

Growing to a height and spread of about 0.5m to 1m, the Chatham Island Forget-me-not thrives in a sheltered spot with dappled light. It prefers well-drained, fertile soil, and while it's relatively low-maintenance, it appreciates regular watering in dry conditions.

Carpinus betulus, commonly known as European Hornbeam, is a stately, deciduous tree valued for its attractive, dense foliage and graceful, symmetrical form. The dark green, serrated leaves take on a rich golden-yellow hue in autumn, adding seasonal interest. This tree has smooth, grey bark that becomes finely ridged with age, giving it a striking appearance even in winter when its branches are bare. In spring, Carpinus betulus produces subtle catkin-like flowers, followed by clusters of small winged seeds in late summer.

Ideal for formal gardens, hedging, or woodland settings, Carpinus betulus is incredibly versatile. It can be pruned into an elegant, tightly clipped hedge or left to grow into its natural pyramidal shape as a majestic specimen tree. Its dense canopy makes it excellent for providing shade, while its strong, structured form suits classical or modern garden designs. The tree also offers great wildlife value, attracting birds and beneficial insects.

Carpinus betulus prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in well-drained, fertile soil, though it is adaptable to various soil types, including clay and chalk. It is tolerant of urban pollution and performs well in sheltered garden positions or exposed sites. When planting as a hedge, space the trees about 60 to 90 centimetres apart for a dense, formal appearance. As a standalone tree, allow at least 5 to 8 metres between specimens to accommodate its mature spread.

At maturity, Carpinus betulus reaches a height of 12 to 18 metres, with a broad spread of around 8 to 10 metres. Its tightly knit foliage and strong, architectural presence make it an excellent choice for long-lasting structure in any landscape, while its autumn colour provides a stunning display of seasonal beauty.

Helleborus orientalis, also known as the Lenten Rose, is a hardy, evergreen perennial beloved for its early spring flowers and lush, leathery foliage. Its cup-shaped flowers range in colour from deep purples and pinks to soft creams and greens, often with delicate spotting on the petals. Flowering from late winter into early spring, these elegant flowers provide a welcome splash of colour when most other plants are still dormant.

Ideal for woodland and shaded gardens, Helleborus orientalis thrives in a variety of garden styles, from cottage gardens to naturalistic and woodland settings. It makes an excellent underplanting for trees and shrubs, combining beautifully with ferns, hostas, and other shade-loving perennials. Its flowers add a sophisticated touch to shaded borders, while the attractive evergreen foliage ensures year-round interest.

Helleborus orientalis prefers a position in partial to full shade, making it perfect for shaded corners or woodland gardens. It thrives in rich, well-drained soil that retains some moisture, but it does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. For best results, space plants approximately 45 to 60 cm apart, allowing them room to spread and form a clump.

At maturity, Helleborus orientalis grows to about 45 cm in height and spreads up to 60 cm. Its nodding flowers and handsome foliage create a graceful, understated presence, adding beauty and texture to the garden even in the cooler months.