Short description

Common box ball, European box, Abassian boxwood A large, slow-growing evergreen shrub with small, glossy oval or oblong leaves and a compact habit. the plant has become deservedly popular as a topiary plant. Can be obtained in a wide range of sizes and shapes to suit many situations. The shapes can provide formality to the garden, can provide an interesting focus or can bring fun to a garden. Suitable for large scale projects or in small courtyard gardens. Excellent as a container plant. Prefers sun or partial shade, avoiding exposed sites as may be scorched in the hottest of summer sun or in cold winds. The plant may be pruned to a range of sizes and shapes from 60cm to 8 metres. Plant in well-drained soil. Care of Topiary Balls Trim annually with topiary shears or hedge-cutters in early or late summer to keep specimen in shape. Faster growing species may need to be trimmed twice or more each season. Fertiliser such as Growmore can be applied once a year in the spring if desired, to help maintain the plant's vigour and appearance. Topiary can be grown in pots or containers but you need to make sure the pot is big enough for the specimen, with the width of the pot larger than the width of the plant to allow rainwater run off to go into the compost. The compost will need to be refreshed every 2 to 3 years. Topiary Balls can suffer from many Pests & Diseases such as Buxus Moth, Box Sucker, Box Blight, Scale Insect, Wooly Aphid, Red Spider Mite, Leaf Spots, to name a few. Look out for any tell-tale signs such as damaged leaves, adult moths, caterpillars, sooty moulds etc.and treat appropriately.