Boxwood or Buxus is a genus of about 70 species of evergreen shrubs. Buxus harlandii or also known as – wang yang is the buxus specie commonly grown in our region, which is actually originated from southern China.

Buxus has many characteristic like natural mature looking cork bark even when young, small spear  like leaves, short internodes, fast grow back even after hard pruning and shallow fibrous root systems that can train to produce good nebari easily.

            

To most bonsailist , buxus is a poor option for styling, it’s multiple trunks and branches makes it nothing more than a formal or informal mini big park looking tree. But to me, I would say buxus is actually an excellent choice for bonsai beginner in our region. And as it can be easily grown in shady outdoor area makes it becomes  another  good choice for those who stayed in high rise condominium where only a small balcony space is available.

Buxus can actually be shaped into many other shape and style other than formal or informal upright. However it must be started young when the stem is still flexible, but then it will take decade to grow and form up to the expected shape.

Cascading Buxus harlandii by En Noryadi Norrudin won the gold prize award in the BCI 2009.