An evergreen plant with small, dense, leathery leaves that is often used as a hedge or for topiary in gardens. It is a common short form of 'Buchsbaum' (boxwood).
example
Der Gärtner hat den Buchs zu einer exakten Kugel geschnitten.
The gardener trimmed the boxwood into a perfect sphere.
Usage tips
Short form and word family
'Buchs' (boxwood) is the common short form of 'Buchsbaum' (boxwood). The word 'Buchs' also serves as the basis for many compound words in gardening, such as 'Buchshecke' (boxwood hedge).
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen die Buchsbaumhecke wieder schneiden.
We need to trim the boxwood hedge again.
Typical verbs
Since boxwood is often used for topiary, typical verbs in this context are 'schneiden' (to cut/trim), 'stutzen' (to trim), and 'in Form bringen' (to shape).
EXAMPLE
Im Frühling sollte man den Buchs kräftig zurückschneiden.
In spring, you should cut back the boxwood heavily.
Use in the garden
'Buchs' (boxwood) is often used to describe the plant as a design element. Common shapes are spheres, cones, or borders for flower beds.