Description
A British native, used extensively for hedging and topiary. If left untrimmed can grow to 3m or so, but is normally kept much smaller through regular pruning. With small, evergreen leaves and dense growth, it makes the perfect small formal hedge, although has waned in popularity in recent years due to the proliferation of box blight and box tree caterpillar (see below). With a little care and attention, however, it is still possible to use this extremely versatile shrub in the garden to provide year-round structure.
Grow in soil which does not dry out easily in sun or shade. Improve the soil with generous amounts of organic matter such as homemade compost before planting, and mulch well in the spring. Derby Day (the first weekend in June) was the traditional time to clip box hedges, with a later clipping in early autumn to tidy up before winter. However it is probably best just to clip once, any time in July or August during dry weather, as this results in slightly more open growth for better air circulation and can reduce the risk of box blight.
Box blight is a fungal disease that has caused serious damage to box hedges across the country, particularly in the south. Browning leaves, bare patches and die-back of stems are all classic symptoms. Keep a close eye and cut out any stems which start to show signs of blight, and then feed, water and mulch the plants to help them recover. Good hygiene is key, keep your secateurs or hedge clippers clean and sharp, and disinfect the blades often. Remove all clippings from around the base of the plant.
Box tree caterpillar is a more recent issue - the larvae of the box moth feed on the leaves and can rapidly strip a plant of foliage. Look out for the cobwebbing and eggs which are laid on the underside of leaves, and remove as soon as you notice them. Pick off any of the yellow-green caterpillars which have already hatched, spray with an approved pesticide, or use nematodes to control outbreaks.
