is-there-a-variety-of-box-plant-that-is-dwarf-and-doesnt-grow-very-high
davielovesgravy
Posts: 76
in Plants
I would like some evergreen box plant type plants to semi surround my patio area, but I only want something low maintenance and most importantly that only grow to around a foot high max. Are there any specific dwarf type varieties of box buxus plants or similar plants that you can recommend please? If you could give me the full names or nicknames for the variety that would be really helpful So I can shop around. Thanks!
PS. apologies for all the dashes in the Title, I have no idea as to why this happened!
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..dwarf box is Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa'.. I think you can buy these from most hedging companies online...
Many thanks salino, so I take it that it is actually a totally different variety than common box? I usually get my seeds from sellers on Ebay but strangely noone seems to have suffruticosa buxus??
..yes it's a different variety... I think the only way to get them is to buy containerised or bare root plants, - bare root obviously the cheapest... although even then I don't find them to be that cheap... but it's a classic hedging plant.. much used in National Trust gardens and suchlike... for edging their famous beds and borders... I think they're worth it, if that's the look you are wanting... however, I also like dwarf lavender 'Hidcote' variety... but these need a bit more looking after with trimming...but they seed profusely, - well mine do... so you will always be getting more plants to pot up...
Buxus microphylla is another fairly low growing type of Box too. I have a golden leafed one which is only about 18 inches after 12 years and never been cut.
There is a Buxus microphylla 'Green Pillow', which is described as being only 1 foot high after ten years. B. 'Morris Midget', also 1 foot high after ten years.They both have green foliage.
Buxus sempervirens 'Blauer Heinz' has the same height but it's foliage is a somewhat greyish.
It depends on the quality of the soil in which they are growing I suppose. Though I must admit that 12 inches is really rather small for most shrubs.
It is very small indeed, and if I hadn't seen these with my own eyes I would have said the same as you, Verdun. These dwarf Box plants have been growing happily at that nursery for at least 15 years. They are holders of the Buxus collection in my country and are an internationally renowned company (Esveld).
Before moving house, I gardened on clay soil so I know what you mean about plants not sticking to the height stated on the labels. You're absolutely right about that! It's the quality and fertility that matter, yes Berghill.