Japanese Box
Buxus harlandii

Family: Buxaceae

What it is like

Buxus harlandii is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. 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): 1

Where it is found

Mountains, C. and S. Japan. Streamsides or forest in the offshore islands of Guangdong, Hainan in China.

E. Asia - eastern China, Japan

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Wood - very hard, close grained. Used for engraving, turnery, carving, furniture and small items such as musical and mathematical instruments.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

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;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

B. japonica. Muell-Arg. B. microphylla japonica. (Muell-Arg.)Rehd.&Wils.