The Best Evergreen Alternative to Box Plants - Buxus sempervirens

[@laurelsayer7557]

I'm thinking of ripping out my low parterre box hedge because of box tree moth and contacted RHS Advice to ask about using yew because Wisley has employed T. Repandens in that walled garden and being unable to source cheap bare root specimens I wondered whether the common yew would be an option.They said yes, so I am interested that you say the strong vertical shoots on established hedges can be a pain. That makes sense considering it can grow to 30' high. It is making me think twice about my choice. Unfortunately Ilex Crenata seems to hate my garden conditions as standalone specimens have failed to thrive. Another alternative might be Euonymus Japonicus though for no reason at all I'm not a fan. May be I have too many varieties in my garden already, it certainly does well for me. I'm now wondering whether Sarcococca Confusa would be happy kept that small as it is another plant that thrives here on my Surrey clay. Decisions decisions. I've had this box for 20 years so it's a hard decision it make.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Laurel, and thanks for the question. Replacing an existing box hedge would be a real shame. If the box moth damaged looks like it is growing back, then personally, I would keep it but put in a schedule of pest control using Xentari. If the box is not recovering, then I agree it its best to swap out with a suitable alternative. Other than waterlogged soils or heavy shade, ilex crenata shouldn't be a problem and is your best choice. If you are struggling to keep it otherwise , it is unlikely the plant to be the issue but something cultural, toxins in the soil, or a pet using it as a toilet etc. Regular yew for a low parterre is a not a great idea unless you consider 30inches low. If this is OK then it will look fine although it will likely require additional cuts. It will certainly look good for a few years but my concern is that as it establishes it will become increasingly difficult to control. Regarding your other choices, this will come down to personal preferences and how formal you want your hedge to look. If you need military precision (my preference) then stick to yew and ilex. If you are not so concerned then just make sure that what you choose is hardy enough for the winters where you are. I hope this helps. Simon

[@laurelsayer7557]

Thanks Simon, really helpful.

[@fletch61]

My Box is 13 years old ..now I have the Box moth!

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Fletch, and sorry to hear that. This needs to be actioned in a timely fashion. You have three options. First is to hand remove and get rid of the caterpillars. The second is to apply Xentari caterpillar killer, and the third is to let nature's take its course and then replant it with another species. Simon

[@thestart7881]

What about the Taxus Baccata?

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hello the Start, yew is one of my favourite choices for hedging and it can be used for small to medium topiary with caution. But for me, its difficult to get a fine clip on it and it can become very shaggy when left. It also has the habit of sending out strong vertical shoots on any small topiary once the plant has aged making it kind of unsuitable for projects below 6ft. Just my opinion though, but a great comment from you for the video. Kind regards Simon

[@thestart7881]

What is the difference between Taxus Baccata and Ilex Crenata?

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Start, this is a very good question. To begin with, they are very different plants, one is a tall conifer while the other is an evergreen shrub/small tree. One has needles the other leaves. Taxus can grow to 90ft with the vigour to match. Ilex crenata gets to about 30ft. You can finely clip ilex you can't finely clip taxus. I can go on, but full descriptions are available online or in reputable reference books. Kind regards

[@thestart7881]

Thanks so much. I think I will go with the Ilex Crenata.

[@heartman3380]

Ilex are so hard to find right now! All garden centres and diy stores are selling tons and tons of box, it's so misleading!

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

You are absolutely right. I am still seeing huge numbers of box plants up for sale. It's pointless buying them. Simon