Small-Leaved Box Topiary Cubes – Buxus microphylla ‘Faulkner’

Small-Leaved Box Topiary Cubes – Buxus microphylla ‘Faulkner’

Small-Leaved Box Topiary Cubes (Buxus microphylla ‘Faulkner’) are a refined and elegant addition to any garden, offering a compact, dense form with small, glossy green leaves that stay vibrant all year. Their ability to hold a crisp geometric shape makes them a favourite for formal gardens, structured landscapes, and contemporary designs. Whether used in symmetrical arrangements, framing pathways, or as statement pieces in pots, these evergreen topiary cubes provide lasting beauty with minimal upkeep.

Why Choose Small-Leaved Box Topiary Cubes?

Unlike common box (Buxus sempervirens), Buxus microphylla ‘Faulkner’ has smaller, finer leaves and a more compact growth habit, making it easier to shape and maintain. It is slow-growing and responds exceptionally well to pruning, holding its form with little effort. With excellent resistance to box blight and a strong tolerance for heat and sun exposure, this variety is particularly well-suited to UK gardens.

Features of Small-Leaved Box (Buxus microphylla ‘Faulkner’)

This variety of boxwood has tight, bushy foliage that retains a deep green colour even in winter, unlike some boxwood varieties that turn bronze in colder months. The small, oval-shaped leaves create a dense structure, making it ideal for precise topiary shaping. In spring, it produces tiny, fragrant yellow-green flowers, which attract pollinators while adding a subtle seasonal highlight.

Landscaping and Design Uses

Small-Leaved Box Topiary Cubes add a sophisticated, structured element to gardens of all styles. They are particularly effective in:

• Framing entrances, pathways, or driveways to create a balanced, formal look.
• Container planting on patios, terraces, and balconies, adding a sculptural feature.
• Traditional knot gardens and parterre designs, where their precise shape enhances symmetry.
• Modern garden schemes, where their geometric form contrasts beautifully with softer plantings.

Preferred Growing Conditions

This variety thrives in well-drained soil and is adaptable to full sun, partial shade, or even deep shade, making it highly versatile. It is more resistant to sun scorch than Buxus sempervirens, making it a great choice for warmer, sunnier locations. Young plants require regular watering during dry spells, but once established, they become relatively drought-tolerant. Light pruning once or twice a year helps maintain their structured form.

Fun Fact

Buxus microphylla ‘Faulkner’ is native to Japan and was cultivated for its compact growth habit and exceptional resilience, making it one of the most popular boxwood varieties for topiary worldwide.

Summary

Small-Leaved Box Topiary Cubes (Buxus microphylla ‘Faulkner’) are an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a refined, evergreen structure. Their compact, slow-growing nature and fine-textured foliage make them ideal for formal pathways, contemporary landscapes, and decorative container displays. With minimal maintenance, they provide a lasting and stylish feature in any outdoor space.

Disclaimer

The fullness and appearance of Small-Leaved Box Topiary Cubes may vary depending on the season and maturity at the time of purchase. Regular pruning and occasional feeding with a balanced fertiliser will help maintain their health and defined shape.