Box hedges or Buxus sempervirens are perfect if you’re looking for a neat, evergreen hedge. They are slow growing plants which make it easy to keep your hedge looking smart. You can order box hedge plants in various sizes, based on how quickly you want your hedge completed.
How to plant your hedge is based on the size of the plants and the area you’re looking to cover. The plants will grow well in most soil conditions but will not thrive in waterlogged or particularly windy areas.
As a general rule of thumb, we would multiply the length of the hedge in metres by 5 to calculate the number of plants needed. In so doing, you will have spacings of around 20cm.
To achieve a lower hedge below 50cm – multiply the length in metres by 6 instead. Multiply by 4 for a taller hedge (over 80cm). Averaging out the spacing accordingly should leave you with a dense hedge right that will fill out from the ground up.
If the growing conditions are right and your hedge has been well looked after, it has the potential to grow 6 inches per year. People choose box hedging to create formal borders as they’re very easy to keep in shape.
In June/July, once your plants have grown close to your planned height, cut the tops down to a few inches below your desired level. You should then trim them to shape every August/September.
To avoid a loss of ventilation you should thin out the tops of your hedging once they become overcrowded. It will take a few years for this to become a concern but it’s something to keep in mind. Your hedge needs air and light to thrive.
Our common box plants come in sizes between 30cm and 75cm (3 – 42litres). Box plants are perfect for topiary as they are slow growing and hold their shape very well.
Questions about anything here? Call the nursery on 01993 850979 or send us a message — advice is free.
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