Fine Herbs

'Boxwood' Basil

'Boxwood' basil is a small-leaved basil with a dense, rounded habit, perfect for edible borders, pots, planters, and fresh culinary use.

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Hardiness Not hardy
Difficulty level Easy

Discover the plant

Family Lamiaceae

‘Boxwood’ basil is a compact and highly decorative variety, prized for its naturally dense, rounded, and well-structured habit. Its small, fine, and very aromatic green leaves resemble the appearance of boxwood, making it an excellent choice for creating pretty edible borders, neat herb pots, gourmet planters, or decorative arrangements near the kitchen. Despite its ornamental appearance, it retains the classic scent of basil and can be easily used in sauces, salads, pestos, tomato dishes, pasta, and summer recipes.

Easy to grow, ‘Boxwood’ basil prefers a warm, sunny, and wind-protected location, in fertile, light, and well-drained soil. It performs particularly well in containers, on a patio, balcony, or in an urban garden, where its compact habit remains tidy and easy to maintain. Regular watering helps keep the foliage tender and flavorful, while avoiding excess water around the roots. To keep the plant bushy, it is recommended to frequently harvest young shoots and pinch back stem tips as needed.

Very versatile, ‘Boxwood’ basil is perfect for gardeners looking for an herb that is productive, aesthetic, and easy to integrate into small spaces. Its dense foliage allows for the creation of an edible mini-hedge effect, ideal for structuring a vegetable garden, framing a flower bed, or beautifying decorative pots. It is an original and practical basil variety, combining culinary freshness, intense aroma, and great ornamental value throughout the season.

'Boxwood' Basil

Planting guide

From planting to establishment.

Propagation Seed or cutting

Soil and care

The right conditions.

Soil pH Slightly acidic to neutral
Hardiness zone Not hardy
Minimum temperature 10°C
Fertilization
Light and regular fertilizing in pots; avoid excess nitrogen
Seasonal care
Pinch lightly to maintain a compact habit; remove flowers to prolong leaf production

Container growing

A controlled environment.

Excellent in pots in a small well-drained container
'Boxwood' Basil

Bloom and dimensions

The complete profile.

Flower color White to pale purple
Foliage color Green
Foliage type Persistent in hot climates
Growth rate Rapid growth
Bloom period
Summer to Fall Harvest and Bloom
Maximum height 25 to 40 cm (10 to 16 in.)
Maximum width 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches)
'Boxwood' Basil

Garden associations

What to plant with it.

Vegetable garden, herbs, balcony, container, edible border

Its strengths, naturally.

Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

Repellent
Helps repel certain pests

Repellent