Boxwood

Buxus sempervirens · aka box, common box, European box

Boxwood is a fine-textured evergreen with small, dense, deep-green leaves along stiff woody stems. Long a mainstay of formal and holiday design, it forms lush topiary shapes, wreaths, garlands and compact greenery bases. Its tight foliage holds up remarkably well, even out of water, making it invaluable for installations and Christmas work. Florists love its classic, clipped, garden-hedge character.

At a glance

Family	Buxaceae
Origin	Europe, North Africa and western Asia
Peak season	November, December, January
Availability	January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Stem length	20–45 cm
Vase life	10–21 days
Colors	green
Price tier	budget

Conditioning

Cut and split the woody stem ends to help water uptake, and strip the lower leaves. Hydrate deeply in cool water before use; boxwood drinks slowly but lasts a long time. It performs well in floral foam and out of water for wreaths and garlands. Keep it cold and mist occasionally to hold its colour.

Care in the vase