Buxus Faulkner "Faulkner Boxwood" Short Standard 10 Liter

Product Name: Buxus Faulkner
Botanical Name: Buxus microphylla ‘Faulkner’
Common Name: Faulkner Boxwood

Product Description

Buxus ‘Faulkner’ is a compact, evergreen shrub valued for its dense, fine-textured foliage and naturally rounded growth habit. It is an excellent choice for formal and informal hedging, borders, low screens, topiary and container planting. Compared to some traditional boxwoods, ‘Faulkner’ offers good heat tolerance, making it particularly suitable for many South African climates. Its neat appearance and slow growth make it easy to maintain with minimal pruning.

Size When Fully Grown

• Height: Approximately 1 m – 1.5 m
• Spread: Around 1 m – 1.5 m
• Can be kept smaller with regular trimming, making it ideal for formal garden designs.

Best Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun to partial shade. Performs best with morning sun and some protection from intense afternoon heat in very hot areas.
• Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil but is adaptable if drainage is good.
• Watering: Moderate watering. Keep soil evenly moist while establishing; once established, it is fairly drought tolerant. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
• Temperature: Tolerates a wide range of temperatures; hardy to light frost once established.
• Feeding: Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring and again in early summer for best growth and colour.
• Pruning: Responds very well to clipping and shaping; prune lightly throughout the growing season to maintain form.

Common Pests & Problems

Buxus ‘Faulkner’ is generally hardy but may occasionally be affected by:

• Aphids
• Psyllids (box sucker)
• Scale insects
• Spider mites in hot, dry conditions
• Root rot if soil drainage is poor
  Good airflow, correct watering and regular inspection help keep plants healthy.

Toxicity (Animals & Humans)

• Toxic if ingested.
  Leaves and stems may cause gastrointestinal upset if eaten by pets, livestock or humans.
  It is best planted out of reach of animals prone to chewing foliage.

Planting & Seasonal Guidance (South Africa)

• Best Time to Plant: Autumn and spring are ideal, allowing roots to establish before extreme heat or cold.
• Growing Season: Active growth occurs during spring and summer.
• Winter Care: Growth slows in winter; reduce watering and avoid heavy pruning during cold periods.