Shrub · Buxaceae family
common box
Buxus sempervirens
In short a 10-second read
Common box (shrub) grows to 1.5–5 m tall and 1.5–4.5 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to shade, in average soil. It flowers in March–April; the flowers are green or yellow. Hardy to −21 °C.
× spread 1.5–4.5 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun to shade, in average soil. Hardy to −21 °C.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
average · watering: little
Soil: loamy, clay, humus-rich
Frost
It overwinters outdoors; in cold, windy spots winter protection is worth it.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 10–20 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
March–April · green or yellow
Pruning
hedge trimming (June–August); hard rejuvenation pruning (May)
Planting
container plant: October–April
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −21 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −21 °C
- Evergreen — green in winter too
What to combine it with
Same needs, different flowering.
They share the same sun and soil and flower in other months — so the bed flowers for longer.
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does common box flower?
In March–April; the flowers are green or yellow.
Does common box tolerate shade?
Yes, it tolerates full shade.
How much space does common box need?
At maturity 1.5–4.5 m wide and 1.5–5 m tall; recommended spacing 60 cm.
Does common box survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −21 °C.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 17 October 2026.
Show sources (10)
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