feed once per month in spring and summer will give it a boost&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Did you know?</strong></p><p>Because box grows so slowly, its wood is extra hard and greatly prized for making furniture.</p>","image":"image/upload/v1617783844/xczm3pesh1omu3ivwrl5.jpg"},"highlights":[],"likes":{"id":152,"likes":[{"id":462,"created":"2021-04-07T09:21:18.306404+01:00","modified":"2021-04-07T09:21:18.306404+01:00","language_code":"en","title":"A shady spot","body":"<p>He’s happiest in either full or partial shade. If you put him in intense sun he’s likely to dry out quickly.</p>","icon":"shade_pdp"},{"id":463,"created":"2021-04-07T09:21:32.814484+01:00","modified":"2021-04-07T09:21:32.814484+01:00","language_code":"en","title":"Moist soil","body":"<p>Letting him dry out can lead to crispy leaves, so try to make sure his soil stays lightly moist.</p>","icon":"water_pdp"},{"id":464,"created":"2021-04-07T09:21:48.135265+01:00","modified":"2023-11-08T11:19:26.501946Z","language_code":"en","title":"Haircuts","body":"<p>To keep his neat ball shape he’ll need a light trim at the end of summer. Use sharp <a href=https://www.patchplants.com/"https://www.patchplants.com/gb/en/accessories/secateurs-655//">secateurs.

","icon":"haircut_pdp"}],"image":"image/upload/v1617783829/lyxjeb02x2kgtc76ve2c.jpg"},"description":"

Use him either side of your front door, lining a garden path or to smarten up a patio or balcony. He always looks good.</p>","description_title":"Why we love Peter","created":"2021-04-01T12:41:08.303437+01:00","modified":"2021-06-21T11:18:03.772017+01:00"},"summary":"<p>You may recognise Peter: this evergreen shrub/tree can be found pretty much everywhere, from the forests of England, to the Mediterranean and northwest Africa. He's so prolific around these parts that there's even a town in Surrey named after him: Boxhill, a reference to his box-shaped foliage.</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Peter has become a favourite ornamental tree, loved for his distinctive look and strong scent. Not everyone is a fan of his smell, though: apparently Queen Anne had him removed from the grounds at Hampton Court Palace because she wasn't into it. Most people enjoy his lovely aroma, though, as well as his glossy, evergreen foliage. We also love that he blooms small, yellow flowers in summer, and dark fruits in autumn (just make sure not to snack on them, though, as they're inedible).</p>","description":"<h2 dir=\"ltr\">Quick Facts</h2>\r\n\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Botanical name:</strong> Buxus sempeverens</p>\r\n\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Nicknames:</strong> European Box, Abassian Boxwood</p>\r\n\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Plant type: </strong>Evergreen shrub/small tree / outdoor</p>\r\n\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Toxicity:</strong> Toxic to pets and humans</p>\r\n\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Pro level:</strong> Easy</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Current plant heights including plastic pot:</strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Box balls:<br />\r\n30cm plant diameter. Pot size: 26cm<br />\r\n40cm plant diameter. Pot size: 31cm<br />\r\n<br />\r\nBox Pyramids:<br />\r\n80-90cm plant height (including pot). Pot size: 21cm<br />\r\n100-120cm plant height (including pot). Pot size 26cm<br />\r\n<br />\r\nBox Tree:<br />\r\n90-100cm plant height (including pot). Pot size: 29cm</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\">How to care for Peter (European Box)</h2>\r\n\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>The basics:</strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Be sure to plant Peter in well-draining soil, as too much moisture can promote a deadly fungus called blight. To achieve this, simply use a good drainage material at the bottom of your pot such as pebbles - <a href=https://www.patchplants.com/"https://patch.garden/blog/how-plant-your-outdoor-plants//">here's our blog post on how to best plant out your outdoor plants</a>.</p>\r\n\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Give Peter regular drinks during growing season (spring-summer), never letting his soil dry out. You can reduce waterings in winter, but just make sure that the top few inches of his soil stays moist. His foliage can get between rain and his soil, so if he's looking a bit sickly, check his soil to make sure it's moist.</p>\r\n\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Trim peter with a pair of sanitised shears or scissors once a year during late spring/summer to encourage healthy new growth.</p>\r\n\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Going the extra mile:</strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Feed Peter with some organic, all-purpose fertiliser in early and mid-summer to promote growth.</p>\r\n\r\n<p> </p>","attributes":{"air-purifying":{"name":"No","order":0,"icon":null},"artificially-dwarfed":{"name":"No bonsai","order":0,"icon":null},"care-level":{"name":"Easy to care for","order":0,"icon":null},"transito":{"name":"No T1","order":0,"icon":null},"wind-requirements":{"name":"Can handle wind","order":1,"icon":"#icon-filter-wind-wind"}},"pot_selector":false,"is_bundle":false,"is_shipping_required":true,"variants":[]}" data-isinstock="False" data-show-add-to-bag="" data-oos-title="" data-oos-msg="Peter - Ball is sold out but will be back soon" data-oos-recommendations="True" data-fetch-selling-fast="" data-is-last-chance="" data-is-limited-edition="" >