TOPIARY / Buxus microphylla var. Japonica (Sphere)

Topiary Japanese Boxwood (Sphere) / Topiary Japanese Box (Sphere)

Botanical Name: Buxus microphylla var. Japonica (Sphere)
Family: Buxaceae
Origin: Japan & East Asia
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub (clipped into a sphere)

Overview

Buxus microphylla (Japanese Box) clipped into a perfect sphere gives instant architecture for Adelaide gardens and courtyards. Fresh lime-green tips mature to glossy deep green, holding a tight, polished silhouette with light, regular clips. Tiny spring flowers have a subtle honey scent up close and draw beneficial insects, while the foliage stays neat through heat and wind when soil drainage is right.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.6–1.0 m H × 0.6–1.0 m W (sphere canopy; easily kept smaller with clipping)
• Growth Rate: 10-25 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Small, glossy leaves; dense branching; foliage tints: new growth lime→mid/deep green; winter can bronze/olive on exposed plants; outer tips may show golden highlights in high summer sun
• Flowers: Very small, creamy-green clusters in spring; light honey fragrance up close (foliage isn’t perfumed)
  
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen structure year-round with fresh lime flushes after trimming; subtle winter bronzing for depth
• Wildlife Value: Modest nectar source for bees/beneficials during spring bloom
• Tolerance: Heat- and drought-tolerant once established; light–moderate frost hardy; wind & coastal tolerant; avoid waterlogging and extreme reflected heat
• Planting Density: Topiary spheres: space 0.8–1.2 m apart (tight line 0.6–0.8 m); Pots: one per 40–50 cm container
• Pet Friendly: No — toxic if ingested; prevent chewing/leaf-litter access for pets

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (morning sun + light arvo shade in hot sites = best colour/density)
• Soil: Well-drained loam or sandy loam; improve heavy clay and mound to prevent wet feet
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer (more in heatwaves/pots); rarely in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Tip-clip 4–6×/yr to maintain the sphere (little and often; avoid cutting into old brown wood); slow-release feed early spring (light top-up early autumn for pots); keep mulch off the stem for airflow
• Lifespan: 30-50+ years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate & Mediterranean SA, including coastal suburbs (shelter from harsh sea spray)
• Soil pH: Neutral to mildly alkaline; copes well with Adelaide’s limestone soils

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Statement sphere pairs flanking doors, gates and garden rooms
• Evenly spaced rhythm along paths/terraces for year-round formality
• Container features for courtyards and entries; contrast with silver/blue groundcovers for a luxe look

Why You Will Love It

Effortlessly architectural and long-lived, this topiary sphere keeps spaces looking immaculate with quick, light clips. Lime-to-deep-green foliage, a soft spring honey fragrance, and excellent heat tolerance make it a go-to for Adelaide elegance.