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The timeless appeal of Buxus

For centuries, Buxus, commonly known as Boxwood, has been a cornerstone in landscape architecture. With a heritage dating back to ancient civilizations, this plant has evolved and remains a treasured feature in modern garden design.

“Our studio appreciates the enduring qualities of Buxus and the many creative possibilities it offers.” – Nathan Burkett

The Buxus genus belongs to a family of slow-growing, evergreen shrubs and small trees. It boasts around 70 species, native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. During the Renaissance, Buxus was integral to the designs of parterre gardens – where its dense foliage was clipped into sharp-edged hedges that framed flower beds, pathways, or lawn spaces, creating a sense of order and grandeur.

European influence on Australian landscape design has meant that Buxus continues to play a prominent role in both traditional and contemporary gardens. Its adaptability to different climates and soil types has cemented its popularity among landscapers and garden designers.

NBLA’s top three Buxus species are the sempervirens, the japonica and the microphylla mound:

Buxus sempervirens (English Box): Valued for its glossy, dark green foliage and compact growth habit, English Box thrives in both sun and shade and is dense and slow growing. This makes Buxus sempervirens ideal for formal hedging and topiary.

Buxus microphylla japonica (Japanese Box): Often utilised for its smaller, lime green leaves, the Japanese Box is highly adaptable to warmer climates, making it a favourite in Australian coastal and inland regions. It’s perfect for low hedges and edging.

Buxus microphylla var microphylla (Mound): A compact, evergreen shrub with dense foliage and bright green, glossy leaves. Its slightly weeping habit makes it ideal for creating clipped shapes, Japanese-style swales, or tidy blocks when planted beneath trees.

One of the most exciting contemporary trends in garden design is the use of clipped Buxus spheres of varying sizes. These organic, rounded forms are not only visually striking, but also offer versatility in how they’re applied across different landscapes. At NBLA, we love using Buxus spheres to create focal points that draw the eye, soften architectural lines, and add a modern, opulent touch to garden spaces.

Clipped spheres break away from the traditional linearity associated with Buxus hedging, introducing a more fluid, dynamic element to gardens. Whether arranged as standalone features in a pot or in clusters to mimic natural growth patterns, they provide a sense of sculptural form. Additionally, these spheres contrast beautifully with free-moving or sprawling plant forms, offering a balanced interplay between geometry and nature.

Buxus has truly transcended the ages, evolving from its roots in formal garden designs to its prominent place in contemporary landscaping.

“At NBLA, we believe that while trends in landscape design will continue to evolve, Buxus will remain a timeless favourite, providing structure, texture, and elegance to gardens for years to come. In other words, it’s a safe bet!”