Root Ball Box
(Buxus Sempervirens)

The dark, evergreen foliage will grow about 10-15cm per year, along with little, insignificant flowers in Summer- which are very popular amongst the bee family, adding a lovely bit of wildlife interest to your garden, too!

• Growth rate: Slow (10-20cm per year)
• Ideal height: 2.5m+ Tall
• Soil type: Normal
• Exposure: Coastal, inland
• Aspect: Full shade, full sun
• Evergreen foliage? Yes

When you receive your Buxus Sempervirens Root Ball plant, it will need to be planted within a couple of weeks or so and must be well-watered during this time. Do not allow the soil to dry out- this will more than likely damage the roots altogether.

You should only need to trim your Box hedging once/twice a year, along with adding some well-rotted compost or mulch, to keep the hedging in its best condition. A fertiliser/root grow feed is also recommended (in Spring). You can prune back young Box plants by up to one third within their first year (this will encourage a dense, bushy new growth).

From there on, when the plant is well-established, only prune once/twice a year within May-August.

1. If you're not ready to plant straight away, your root balls will need to be kept moist and in a cool, dark room (i.e., garage or shed). Ideally, they should be planted straight away, but can last up to 3 days or so.
2. Dig a hole that is several inches wider than the root ball, but about the same depth. Soak the hole with water, and sprinkle a thin layer of RootGrow at the bottom, if using.
3. Ensure the root ball has been given plenty of water, then put the damp root ball into the soil, and begin backfilling with soil. Check the base of the stem is level with the surface of the soil, or just under.
4. Firm the soil down lightly, then give the plant a good watering.
5. Like all plants, it will need to be kept free of weeds and given plenty of water- its first year after planting is vital, as the plant needs enough resources to be able to settle down, recover, and establish.