Buxus microphylla 'Rotundifolia'
box 'Rotundifolia'
A dense, multistemmed, evergreen tree or shrub to around 200cm with a dense, oval habit, neat, ovate bright green foliage turning to darker green in winter, and smooth grey bark. More vigorous then your standard box, its fine-textured foliage makes it an ideal option for shaping into 'umbrella' trees for areas in a garden where privacy is required
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Buxaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Buxus can be evergreen shrubs or small trees, with simple, leathery, opposite leaves and clusters of small, pale yellow flowers followed by pale green to brown fruits
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any fertile, well-drained soil. Prefers light shade, full sun may result in dull or scorched foliage in dry soils. Water regularly while establishing. See box cultivation for more detailed advice
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pruning group 8 in summer, renovation pruning can be carried out in late spring. Use mulch and a general fertiliser after hard pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to box tree caterpillar, box sucker, mussel scale and red spider mite
Diseases
May be susceptible to a leaf spot, box blight and, rarely, honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.