Japanese boxwood is the Southern workhorse: it takes our heat and full sun better than English boxwood, with larger, glossier leaves and a looser texture. Left alone it rounds out at three to four feet each way.

Sun to part shade in ground that drains, with the rootball set high in heavy clay. It shears cleanly for a hedge or rounds off on its own. Expect some bronzing in winter sun; a sheltered spot softens it.