Fastigiata Upright English Box

Fastigiata Upright English Box (Buxus sempervirens 'Fastigiata') is a classic small-leaved evergreen with a slender, upright habit. Clipped, it makes a narrow formal hedge or a tall column; left alone it can pass 3m. It grows slowly, which is exactly why it holds a clipped shape so well.

Why you'll love it

• A narrow footprint. It grows up rather than out, so it suits boundaries, fence lines and tight garden spots where a normal hedge would take too much room.
• Classic box foliage. Small, dense, deep green leaves give the traditional look of a formal English garden.
• Takes any formal shape. It clips cleanly into hedges, columns, balls and topiary, and it is equally at home in a container.
• Slow and tidy. Slow growth means fewer trims and a shape that stays crisp between visits with the shears.
• Frost hardy. Cold winters suit it, which makes it a natural for gardens in the cooler south.

Where it works best

Narrow hedges and screens. Plant about 50cm apart along a fence line or boundary for a tall, slim screen. Left unclipped it will grow 3m or more, so clip it to the height you want.

Formal gardens and entrances. A matched pair of columns, in the ground or in pots, frames a front door or a garden gate.

Topiary and containers. Its upright habit gives you a ready-made column to clip, and it copes well with pot life if watered consistently.

Growing Fastigiata Upright English Box in Australia

Position and climate. A sunny position suits it, and it also grows in part shade. English box is the classic for temperate gardens and does especially well in the cooler south, including Melbourne, Adelaide, Tasmania and the highlands. In the warm, humid north, Japanese box is the more dependable box. It suits warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean climates.

Soil. Choose a free draining site. It copes with most soils but not acidic ones, so check the pH before planting if you are not sure.

Water and feed. Mulch and water it in well at planting, then keep the water up for its first 12 weeks while the roots settle. Fertilise in spring.

Pruning. Prune as required to maintain the form. For a crisp formal line, clip twice a year, in late spring and late summer. Unclipped, it will grow to 3m or more.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Fastigiata Upright English Box as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Box grows slowly, so a tube is a long-term investment: expect a hedge to take years rather than months, and plan on clipping early to build density. Plants travel upright and settle in within a couple of weeks.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the full box and buxus range
• Tall and narrow screening plants
• Plants for topiary and shaping
• English box and buxus care guide

Common questions

How tall will it grow?

Unclipped, it will reach 3m or more. Clip it and it stays at whatever height you choose, which is why it is popular for narrow screens and low formal hedges alike.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes. Upright English box is a good container plant for formal gardens, particularly as a matched pair. Use quality potting mix, water regularly and feed in spring.

Is it safe for pets?

No. All box is toxic if eaten, to people as well as dogs and cats, so plant it where animals cannot chew it.