Tree box is the arborescens form of common box, eventually a small tree 4–6 m with a single trunk and dense crown of leathery evergreen leaves. It responds well to topiary, pleaching or patio standards, and tolerates hard pruning to restore old hedges. Grow in fertile, alkaline to acidic soil with good drainage; water during drought to avoid box blight stress. Sun or shade is accepted, though some afternoon shade prevents leaf scorch in hot regions.