Buxus (Box) Topiary [323]
The small glossy green leaves of Buxus make it ideal for shaping into topiary. It will grow in sun or part shade and in a wide range of soil conditions except badly drained. Box is happy growing in pots, providing it is watered regularly and fed during the growing season. Pots must be checked for moisture daily during dry periods. A surface dressing of a slow-release powder or pelleted fertiliser in autumn and spring will usually produce good results. For a quick boost liquid tomato feed can be applied fortnightly in the growing season. Plants need to be clipped approximately 3 times-a- year to keep a good, tight, shape. Check for red spider mite if the leaves turn yellow and spray with insecticide immediately. Box suckers, tiny white flying insects can infest the plants in late spring and early summer. They are virtually harmless and any foliage damage is usually superficial. They can be controlled by jetting them off with water at a safe high pressure.

B.sempervirens (Common European box) [324]