About

Buxus sempervirens 'Blauer Heinz' is a compact, evergreen shrub that typically reaches a height of approximately 60 cm. It features soft, bluish-green foliage that maintains its color year-round. In spring, creamy-white flowers emerge, adding subtle interest to the plant. This variety is well-suited for smaller gardens, patios, or containers and has resistance to both deer and rabbits.

About the genus

Buxus consists of evergreen shrubs or diminutive trees characterized by simple, leathery leaves arranged oppositely. These plants produce clusters of small, pale yellow blooms, which are succeeded by fruits that transition from pale green to brown.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full shade, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Bushy, Columnar upright
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Toxicity
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Care notes

Cultivation
Grows best in well-drained soil in partial shade; can be scorched by sun and strong winds in dry soils. Susceptible to a number of box problems, see box cultivation
Pruning
Pruning group 8 in summer, renovation pruning can be carried out in late spring. Use mulch and a general fertiliser after hard pruning, ideal for topiary clipping
Propagation
Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to box tree caterpillar, box sucker, mussel scale and red spider mite
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to a leaf spot, box blight and, rarely, honey fungus