Buxus microphylla var. japonica ‘Faulkner’ (Japanese Box ‘Faulkner’)
Buxus ‘Faulkner’ is a dense, evergreen shrub widely used for hedging, borders, and formal garden design. Known for its compact growth, fine foliage, and excellent response to pruning, it is a reliable choice for both residential and commercial landscapes requiring structure and definition.
Key Plant Profile
| Attribute |
Specification |
| Botanical Name |
Buxus microphylla var. japonica ‘Faulkner’ |
| Common Name |
Faulkner Box |
| Plant Type |
Evergreen shrub |
| Mature Height |
1–3 m |
| Mature Width |
1–2 m |
| Growth Habit |
Dense, upright to rounded |
| Growth Rate |
Moderate |
Foliage Characteristics
Buxus ‘Faulkner’ features small, rounded leaves that form a tight, uniform canopy. The foliage is mid to dark green and maintains its colour well throughout the year.
| Feature |
Description |
| Leaf Size |
Small |
| Leaf Shape |
Rounded |
| Colour |
Mid to dark green |
| Texture |
Smooth, fine |
| Density |
Very dense |
The fine texture allows for precise shaping and clean lines.
Growth Habit and Structure
This variety develops a naturally compact form that can be easily maintained through pruning. It responds well to shaping, making it suitable for both formal and informal designs.
| Characteristic |
Detail |
| Form |
Upright to rounded |
| Branching |
Dense, tight |
| Overall Shape |
Compact and uniform |
| Structure |
Strong and controlled |
Its growth habit supports both low hedges and taller screening.
Light Requirements
Buxus ‘Faulkner’ adapts to a range of light conditions.
| Light Level |
Suitability |
| Full sun |
Ideal |
| Partial shade |
Suitable |
| Full shade |
Tolerated (slower growth) |
In full sun, foliage tends to be denser and more compact.
Watering Requirements
Consistent watering is important during establishment.
| Condition |
Requirement |
| Establishment phase |
Regular watering |
| Mature plant |
Moderate to low |
Avoid prolonged dry periods and waterlogging.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining soil is preferred, although this variety is adaptable.
| Soil Type |
Suitability |
| Loam |
Excellent |
| Sandy |
Good |
| Clay |
Moderate (improve drainage) |
Soil improvement can enhance performance in heavier soils.
Temperature and Climate
Buxus ‘Faulkner’ performs well in a range of climates.
| Factor |
Requirement |
| Heat tolerance |
Moderate |
| Cold tolerance |
Moderate |
| Frost tolerance |
Good |
It is suitable for both temperate and mild climates.
Maintenance Requirements
This plant is commonly selected for its ease of maintenance and shaping.
| Task |
Frequency |
| Pruning |
Regular for formal shapes |
| Fertilising |
Optional, during growing season |
| Watering |
Moderate |
Frequent trimming encourages dense growth.
Hedging and Screening
Buxus ‘Faulkner’ is one of the most popular choices for hedging.
| Application |
Suitability |
| Low hedges |
Excellent |
| Medium hedges |
Excellent |
| Topiary |
Highly suitable |
| Borders |
Ideal |
Its dense foliage provides clean, defined edges.
Container Use
This variety performs well in pots and is commonly used in formal container arrangements.
| Factor |
Detail |
| Pot suitability |
Excellent |
| Drainage requirement |
Essential |
| Repotting |
Periodic |
It is often used in entryways and formal settings.
Landscape Applications
Buxus ‘Faulkner’ is highly versatile in landscape design.
| Application |
Suitability |
| Formal gardens |
Ideal |
| Modern landscapes |
Suitable |
| Commercial landscapes |
Widely used |
| Residential gardens |
Common |
| Path edging |
Excellent |
It integrates well into structured planting schemes.
Root System
| Feature |
Detail |
| Root type |
Fibrous |
| Invasiveness |
Non-invasive |
| Suitability near structures |
High |
Propagation
Propagation is typically done through cuttings.
| Method |
Success Rate |
| Semi-hardwood cuttings |
High |
| Seed |
Not common |
Cuttings ensure consistent plant characteristics.
Common Issues
| Issue |
Cause |
| Leaf yellowing |
Poor drainage or nutrient deficiency |
| Sparse growth |
Lack of pruning or low light |
| Leaf burn |
Extreme sun or wind exposure |
| Root issues |
Waterlogging |
Proper care minimises these problems.
Benefits
| Benefit |
Description |
| Dense growth |
Ideal for hedging |
| Easy to shape |
Suitable for formal designs |
| Evergreen |
Year-round structure |
| Versatile use |
Multiple applications |
| Low maintenance |
Minimal care required |
Limitations
| Limitation |
Detail |
| Requires pruning |
To maintain shape |
| Sensitive to poor drainage |
Needs well-drained soil |
| Slower growth |
Compared to fast hedging plants |
Placement Guidelines
For best results:
• Plant in full sun to partial shade
• Use well-draining soil
• Water regularly during establishment
• Prune to maintain shape
• Space appropriately for intended use
Spacing Guidelines
| Purpose |
Recommended Spacing |
| Low hedge |
20–30 cm |
| Medium hedge |
30–50 cm |
| Feature planting |
50–100 cm |
Advantages
| Advantage |
Explanation |
| Formal appearance |
Clean, structured look |
| High versatility |
Suitable for many uses |
| Durable |
Long-lasting performance |
| Non-invasive roots |
Safe near hardscapes |
| Container friendly |
Ideal for pots |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buxus ‘Faulkner’ good for hedging?
Yes, it is one of the most popular choices for low to medium hedges.
How often should it be pruned?
Regular pruning maintains density and shape, especially in formal designs.
Can it grow in shade?
Yes, but growth may be slower and less dense.
How fast does it grow?
It has a moderate growth rate.
Is it suitable for pots?
Yes, it performs well in containers.
Does it require much water?
Moderate watering is needed, particularly during establishment.
Is it frost tolerant?
Yes, it can tolerate frost.
Can it be used for topiary?
Yes, it is highly suitable due to its dense foliage.
Are the roots invasive?
No, they are non-invasive.
Is it low maintenance?
Yes, aside from regular pruning for shape.
