Buxus balearica (Balearic box)

Botanical name

Buxus balearica

Other names

Balearic box, Minorca box, Giant box tree, Balearic boxwood

Genus

Buxus Buxus

Species

B. balearica - B. balearica is a small, vigorous, upright, evergreen shrub or small tree with oval, glossy, bright green leaves and clusters of pale yellow-green flowers in spring.

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Ascending branches, Small, Upright

Toxicity

Ingestion may cause stomach upset. Contact may cause skin irritation.

Awards

RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)

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Colour

Flower

Green, Yellow in Spring

Foliage

Dark-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Red spider mite (box and other) , Box sucker

Specific diseases

Box blights

General care

Pruning

As an informal hedge, box requires little pruning.

Propagation methods

Semi-hardwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Buxus balearica (Balearic box) will reach a height of 3m and a spread of 2.5m after 10-20 years.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, Containers, Foliage only, Hedging/Screens, Instant, Mediterranean

Cultivation

Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Buxus balearica (Balearic box)

Common pest name

box tree caterpillar; box tree pyralid

Scientific pest name

Cydalima perspectalis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Present (Limited)

Likelihood to spread in UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Stakeholder organisations may be interested in monitoring spread and damage and investigate possible control measures.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Buxus balearica (Balearic box)

Common pest name

pink wax scale; red was scale; ruby wax scale

Scientific pest name

Ceroplastes rubens

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Based on its biology and low potential impact continued action on this pest in the UK would not be considered appropriate. It is likely to be of more concern to southern Member States of the EU; as it is an economic pest of citrus.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Buxus balearica (Balearic box)

Common pest name

Carpenter; worm

Scientific pest name

Prionoxystus robiniae

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous North American moth pest; with wood-boring larvae. Import requirements related to other pests reduce the likelihood of introduction to the UK; but statutory action would be taken against any interceptions.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/