What soil does Common box grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous, acidic.

Hardy down to -23 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H7). It gets through winter everywhere at lower altitudes, but may not survive unprotected in a mountain garden.

How far from the house should Common box be planted?

Plant it at least 1 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

How far apart should Common box be planted?

Planted on its own, it needs 1 m between plants. For a hedge, allow 5 plants per metre.

When does Common box flower?

Flowering: March–May, yellow, green.

How much water does Common box need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Common box cost?

It sells for roughly €2.50 to €85 in local shops, depending on size.

What should I plant instead of Common box?

We do not recommend it for most Central European gardens. For a similar purpose we recommend: Holly osmanthus, Laurustinus, Photinia 'Red Robin', Portugal laurel.

Common box

Buxus sempervirens

Common box (Buxus sempervirens) is a shrub. Light: full sun, part shade, shade. Hardy down to -23 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Toxic to dogs and cats. Sold in local shops from about €2.50. We do not recommend it for most Central European gardens.

Illustration of Common box — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

This dense, small-leaved evergreen can be clipped into hedges or topiary shapes. It does best in partial shade with well-drained soil that does not dry out completely. For new planting, choose something else if you do not want regular pest monitoring and control.

We do not recommend this plant

We do not recommend it for most Central European gardens. Further down we show what to plant instead.

Watch out for

In Central Europe, repeated attacks by box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis) can completely defoliate and kill shrubs. Box blight caused by Calonectria species is another serious risk, especially in humid, poorly ventilated plantings. Strong winter sunshine and drying winds can bronze or scorch foliage, while waterlogging can damage roots. It is not recommended for a new hedge without regular inspection and control when needed.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: High
Size after 10 years: 2 m × 1 m
Hardiness: down to -23 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D March–May, yellow, green

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	2 m × 1 m
Ultimate size	4–8 m × 4–8 m
Hardiness	down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	March–May, yellow, green
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	High
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	at least 1 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	100 cm
For dogs	Toxic
For cats	Toxic
For children	Toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €2.50

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

What to plant instead

Recommended plants that do the same job, with similar characteristics.

Holly osmanthus

Osmanthus heterophyllus 2 m × 1.5 m after 10 years

An evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green, spiny leaves that look like holly, bearing tiny white flowers in autumn whose scent carries a long way…

Shrub

Full sun

Part shade

from about €5.90

Laurustinus

Viburnum tinus 2 m × 2 m after 10 years

A Mediterranean evergreen viburnum with dark, glossy foliage that flowers from late autumn in mild winters, otherwise from late winter into spring:…

Shrub

Full sun

Part shade

from about €12

Photinia 'Red Robin'

Photinia × fraseri 'Red Robin' 3 m × 2 m after 10 years

Glossy evergreen leaves and bright red new shoots make this a colourful hedge or a striking standalone shrub. Give it sun or partial shade, shelter…

Hedge

Full sun

Part shade

from about €4

Portugal laurel

Prunus lusitanica 3.5 m × 2.5 m after 10 years

A dense, elegant evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy dark green leaves that are narrower than those of cherry laurel, reddish young shoots and…

Hedge

Full sun

Part shade

from about €26

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
10-20 cm	approx. €2.50
20 cm	approx. €15
40-60 cm	approx. €35
50-60 cm	approx. €85

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Guide on the topic

Fast-growing hedges: how much each grows in a year The fastest hedge plant is the Leyland cypress, growing about 90 cm a year, followed by cherry laurel 'Novita', firethorn and western red cedar at about 50 cm a year, then privet at 40 cm. How long a 180 cm hedge takes to screen depends more on the size of plant you buy: several years from small plants, one or two summers from large ones, but at many times the price per metre. The tables use the current shop prices in your country.

Looks good next to it

Winter jasmine

Jasminum nudiflorum

Balloon flower

Platycodon grandiflorus

Tall moor grass

Molinia arundinacea