Buxus sempervirens

Evergreen shrub or small tree native to Europe North Africa and Turkey It has a branched crown at the base ascending initially narrow then widening over the years The branches are green at first then become gray The leaves are dark green on top lighter underneath 2 to 3 cm long 1 to 1.5 cm wide oval and elongated very hard Flowering occurs in March April with not very decorative flowers but that attract many bees The fruits are round greenish blue Requires well fertilized and well permeable soil it does not matter if calcareous It tolerates full sun if the soil is not too dry as well as extreme pruning Used for hedges topiary sculptures mosaics and widely used in Italian gardens