Box (Buxus sempervirens) has been under attack from foreign pests and diseases. Box blight, which arrived a few years ago, has quickly spread throughout the UK, causing gardeners to panic at the sight of yellowing leaves on their prized topiary.
Following this fungus, the Box Moth Caterpillar (Glyphodes perspectalis) made its appearance, fluttering its way across the UK since 2011.
Caterpillars are capable of stripping a Box plant of its leaves in record time, leaving it completely bare. Although a healthy plant may recover, it is likely to be targeted again and again as the moths continue their life cycle.
In response, many gardeners are exploring alternative options for their Box hedges and topiary.
Here are our recommendations:
Sarcococca Confusa:
Despite its common name, the Christmas Box is not related to Buxus and is therefore resistant to various pests and diseases. This plant features small, dark green leaves and can be pruned to a desired shape. While it may not create sharp edges like the Box, it makes up for it with its delightful fragrance during the winter season.
If you catch a whiff of something lovely on a cold winter day, chances are it's the Sarcococca. This plant can thrive in both sunny and shady conditions and is also drought tolerant.
Ilex aquifolium:
While Ilex aquifolium, or Holly, is a resilient evergreen that wildlife simply adore, it may not be suitable for all situations, as it can grow larger than box hedges even when trimmed.
With its glossy green leaves and winter berries, it can make for a stunning hedge, and even be shaped into balls for some topiary flair.
If you're looking to add some brightness, consider the variegated Ilex aquifolium ‘Golden King (below right)’.
Euonymus:
When it comes to tough growing conditions, Euonymus is a shrub that truly stands out. Among its family, Euonymus 'Green Spire', also known as 'Green Rocket', has become a popular alternative to the Box hedge.
This shrub is very hardy, drought-tolerant and maintains its dark green leaves all through winter, making it an ideal choice if you are looking for a low-maintenance option.
Podocarpus nivalis:
This is a conifer, and is easily trained to a topiary shape which makes it a great alternative to box.
It isn't too fast growing, is easy to propagate, and can regenerate from old wood. It can cope with full sun to part shade."
Podocarpus 'Chocolate Box' flushes a magnificent bronze in autumn, while Podocarpus totara 'Aureus' (bottom right) flushes mustard-yellow in the colder months.
Pittosporum tenuifolium:
Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Golf Ball’ (above) is the perfect box hedge alternative.
Despite its natural ball-like shape, it can be easily clipped into a formal hedge.
Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Oliver Twist’ (left) is another great variety - and is less tightly packed which lends itself to a hedge.
Pittosporum Tenuifolium Garnetti
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