How to Grow Japanese Box

Considered to be one of the best hedging plants, the compact habit and attractive bright green, glossy foliage of the Japanese Box make it a perfect choice for topiary work, low hedges and accent plants in formal gardens. Extremely adaptable to all climates and soil types, it is regarded as a quicker growing variety of the buxus family.

Full sun but can tolerate some shade

Water regularly until the plant establishes. Once established, less water is required.

Well drained, fertile soil.

Suitable for all climates. All year round

How to Grow Japanese Box in a Garden

Step 1

Choose a sunny or part shade spot with well drained soil. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. In areas with heavy or clay soil, to help improve soil structure and drainage, add gypsum and mix in well.

Step 2

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

Step 3

Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Form a raised or doughnut shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.

Step 4

Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, sugarcane or pea straw, keeping it away from the trunk.

Step 5

Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.

Step 6

Feed in autumn and spring with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser, or for a low-odour alternative: Yates Thrive All Purpose Liquid Plant Food. Fertilise every 2 weeks to promote healthy foliage growth and strong root development.

How to Grow Japanese Box in a Pot

Step 1

Choose a pot at least 500mm wide and deep. Position in full sun.

Step 2

Fill a pot with Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Step 3

Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

Step 4

Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well afterwards.

Step 5

After the initial water, water the plants regularly allowing the plants to dry out slightly until the next watering.

Step 6

Japanese Box Growing Tips

Begin pruning when the plant is young to maintain a dense foliage cover.
Pruning/shaping may need to be undertaken several times during the growing season.
Plant new plants at least 30cm apart.

Common Problems of Japanese Box

Why is My Japanese Box Leaves Turning Orange?

If it's winter and the leaves are turning orange, this is normal. The leaves will recover again in spring. Just give the plant a feed to help it recover.

If the orange "stuff" can be rubbed off, it is likely to be Rust.