Buxus harlandii – Harland’s boxwood, minimalist indoor elegance
A 15-year-old bonsai, ideal for bright indoor environments. Buxus harlandii, known as Harland’s boxwood, is a slow-growing evergreen species native to Japan and East Asia. Highly valued in the world of bonsai for its characterful, sculpted trunk and small, compact leaves, it is perfectly suited to the traditional Japanese style: simple, harmonious, and meditative. In a Mediterranean climate, it can live outdoors during the summer, but it must be protected from the cold in winter.
Important notes: The bonsai’s shape and dimensions are approximate, including the pot. The pot’s color and shape may differ from the photographs. As living plants, their appearance changes with the seasons; the images are therefore purely illustrative and do not constitute a contractual obligation.
Main features
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Habitat: Indoors (outdoors in summer in a Mediterranean climate)
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Leaf type: Evergreen
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Family: Buxaceae
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Growth: Slow
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Approximate dimensions (width × depth × height): 40 × 27 × 40 cm
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Pot size: Under 16 cm
Interesting facts
Buxus harlandii is a particularly versatile species: it also grows well in shade, making it ideal for gardens with little direct light. It is often used in Japanese-style gardens for its traditional, minimalist appearance. It does not require extensive care, but it must be protected from low temperatures: in colder areas, it is best kept in a greenhouse all year round.
Position
Place it in a bright indoor environment, always near a source of natural light. In a Mediterranean climate, it can be moved outdoors during the summer months; in winter, it must be sheltered from the cold. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.
Watering
Abundant in summer, moderate in winter. It is highly sensitive to waterlogging: always ensure that the substrate drains well and do not leave water in the saucer.
Fertilization
In spring and autumn, use the organo-mineral fertilizer Hiryo Gold or the fast-acting fertilizer Nutribonsai.
Repotting
Every 2–3 years, in spring. After repotting, it is recommended to water with Mistral Bonsai’s Vitabonsai revitalizer to speed up the plant’s recovery.
Substrate
Terrabonsai – a special bonsai substrate that meets the plant’s water and nutrient needs, promoting root development and overall vigor.
Pruning
During the growing season, pruning regularly to maintain the desired shape.
Pinching
When the new shoot has developed 6–8 pairs of leaves, cut it back, leaving only 2 pairs.
Wiring
Can be carried out all year round; the best time is in spring, taking the faster growth into account to avoid marks on the bark.
