Buxus microphylla

Buxus microphylla topiary in the garden of Kerrie and Steve Babian in Sydney

Hailing from Japan, and sometimes known as Japanese box (and previously known as Buxus microphylla var. japonica), this is one of the best shrubs for creating a formal hedge or topiary shapes in Sydney gardens, as it is tolerant to a wide range of conditions, and can grow in colder areas as well. It can get to 2-3 m (although can be pruned lower) and it will grow in part shade (even with dry conditions) as well as in sun. The leaves look similar to those of the traditional European box (Buxus sempervirens, which doesn't do as well in our climate), though the evergreen leaves are a little more glossy and are rounded at the tip. Small, greenish-yellow flowers appear in spring, attracting bees. Buxus sinica var. koreana (Korean box, ht 60 cm, syn. Buxus microphylla var. koreana) is more compact, with finer leaves, and is good for a low edging hedge. It can be grown in containers.