Boxtrees Nursery

1. How many plants do I need for my hedge?

For most garden hedges, multiply the length of the hedge in metres by 5 to calculate the number of plants required. This corresponds to a spacing of 20cm (8 inches).

If it is to be a low hedge, say less than about 40cm high, then length in metres times 6 (16cm/6.5 inches spacing) is better. For tall hedges, over about 80cm high, length in metres x 4 (25cm, 10 inch spacing) is generally enough.

2. When is the best time to plant?

Any time of year is a good time to plant box. The main consideration is probably ease of preparing the ground. Bare-root plants will require much more watering if planted in spring or summer, and normally speaking it is best to plant container grown plants at any time and bare-root trees between October and April.

3. Are bare-root or container-grown plants better?

Either bare-root or container-grown plants will succeed at any time of year. The main difference is that bare-root trees are cheaper to post, take longer to establish, and need much more watering if planted in summer. Normally speaking, we supply container-grown plants all the year round and bare-root plants from around mid-October to early April. If you would like bare root plants in Summer, then we can supply them.

4. How fast does box grow?

Once the plant is established, buxus sempervirens will grow about 6-9 inches a year under reasonable growing conditions. In deep shade, very poor soil and very exposed sites, the growth rate is lower.

Most of the named varieties of buxus sempervirens, and the other species of buxus grow rather more slowly than buxus sempervirens.

5. Where do you post to?

We will post to anywhere in Europe. If you would like plants sent anywhere else, please enquire about your local import regulations.

6. What payment methods do you accept?

Usually within 1 to 5 working days of payment. If you would like us to 'aim' for delivery on a particular date (eg by sending your plants on an overnight service the day before), please let us know.

Orders are generally dispatched within 2 working days of payment. In the UK they are usually sent by 2 working day courier or second class post. To Europe it is a 2-5 day courier service or airmail, depending on the parcel weight.

8. What happens if there is a problem?