About

Buxus sempervirens 'Graham Blandy' is an upright, evergreen shrub that can reach heights of up to 3 meters. It features a narrow, columnar growth pattern and has green leaves that are elliptical to ovate in shape, measuring up to 2 centimeters in length. In spring, this variety produces clusters of small, yellowish flowers in the leaf axils.

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
Well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Columnar upright
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
2.5-4 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Toxicity
Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in any fertile, well-drained soil. Prefers light shade, full sun may result in dull or scorched foliage in dry soils. Water regularly while establishing. See box cultivation for more detailed advice
Pruning
Pruning group 8; trim hedges in summer
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood 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