Euonymus japonicus 'Microphyllus' is a compact, dense evergreen shrub prized for its small, glossy dark green leaves. Widely regarded as one of the best alternatives to Buxus (Box), this resilient shrub is naturally resistant to box blight, making it an excellent choice for low hedging, formal edging, borders and containers. Its neat, bushy habit requires minimal maintenance and responds well to clipping, allowing you to shape and maintain a tidy, structured appearance throughout the year.

This plant is supplied as a single specimen in a 26cm root ball, well-established and ready for planting directly into the garden or a suitable container.

Key Features:

• Hardy evergreen shrub – retains foliage all year round


• Ideal Buxus alternative – naturally resistant to box blight


• Compact and bushy growth habit – perfect for low hedges and edging


• Responds well to regular trimming and shaping


• Tolerates a wide range of soil types and positions


• Low maintenance once established


• Supplied as 1 plant with a 26cm root ball

Planting and Care:

Plant in well-drained soil in a position that receives full sun to partial shade. Euonymus Microphyllus is tolerant of most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sandy soils, provided drainage is adequate. Water regularly after planting until well established. Trim in late spring or early summer to maintain a neat shape. For hedging, space plants approximately 20–30 cm apart for a dense, uniform finish.

Cultural Information:

• Botanical Name: Euonymus japonicus 'Microphyllus'


• Common Names: Box-leaved Euonymus, Japanese Spindle, Small-leaved Euonymus


• Classification: Evergreen shrub


• Fully Grown Height and Spread: Up to 75–100 cm × 50–80 cm


• Growth Habit: Compact, Dense, Bushy Evergreen Shrub


• Perfect For: Low Hedging, Formal Edging, Borders, Containers, Topiary


• Planting Position: Full Sun to Partial Shade


• Soil Type: Well-drained; tolerates chalk, clay, loam and sandy soils


• Hardiness: Fully Hardy (RHS H5)


• Type: Hardy Evergreen Shrub


• Foliage: Small, Glossy, Dark Green Leaves – Retained Year-Round


• Pruning: Trim in Late Spring to Early Summer to Maintain Shape

Notes: This listing is for the Microphyllus variety, which features the characteristic small, tightly packed leaves that give a fine-textured, formal appearance – closely resembling traditional Box hedging.