Buxus balearica
Family: Buxaceae
What it is like
Buxus balearica is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 3
Where it is found
Dry hills.
Europe - Spain, Balearic Islands.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Plants can be grown as a small to medium-size hedge. They are very tolerant of pruning but are rather slow growing. Wood - hard, valuable. Used in engraving.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
Hedge: Hedge
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Succeeds in almost any soil that is well-drained, tolerating light shade and chalky soils. Tolerates a pH range from 5.5 to 7.4. A very slow growing plant. The foliage is pungently scented, especially when wet.
Propagating it: Seed - stratification is not necessary but can lead to more regular germination. The seed is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible in a cold frame. It usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c but stored seed can take longer. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of short side shoots with a heel, September in a frame. High percentage. Rather slow to root. Nodal cuttings in spring in a frame. Fairly easy.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Hedge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth: Slow
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist