Buxus sempervirens

Common box, Buxus sempervirens, is a vigorous, evergreen, bushy, upright shrub or small tree. It has small, rounded to oblong, glossy dark green leaves. Its dense habit makes it ideal for hedging or screening and it can be closely clipped into different shapes. It's an excellent plant to make into topiary, as you can leave a smart finish after trimming.

Grow Buxus sempervirens in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Mulch annually with well-rotted manure or compost and trim into shape from mid- to late-summer.

Bear in mind that in many parts of the UK, box is prone to two serious problems – box blight and box tree caterpillar.