Overview
Buxus microphylla 'Compacta' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Buxus, part of the Buxaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Buxus microphylla 'Compacta' grows best in full sun, partial shade and full shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, patio and container plants and hedging and screens.
About
Buxus microphylla 'Compacta' is a bushy evergreen shrub belonging to the genus Buxus, known for its simple, leathery leaves arranged oppositely. This cultivar thrives in a variety of soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, and prefers fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. It is hardy to UK zone H6 and is suitable for diverse garden settings such as city and courtyard gardens, wildlife gardens, and hedging. 'Compacta' can be propagated by semi-ripe cuttings in summer and is valued for its interest in spring and summer seasons.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Buxus
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade, Full shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Buxus microphylla 'Compacta' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Patio and container plants, Hedging and screens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Buxus microphylla 'Compacta'
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Box tree caterpillar, Box sucker, Mussel scale, Red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Leaf spot, Box blight, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Buxus microphylla 'Compacta'?
Buxus microphylla 'Compacta' prefers full sun, partial shade and full shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Buxus microphylla 'Compacta' need?
Buxus microphylla 'Compacta' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Buxus microphylla 'Compacta' hardy in the UK?
Buxus microphylla 'Compacta' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Buxus microphylla 'Compacta'?
Semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
