How tall do boxwood shrubs grow

Do boxwoods need a lot of water? Watering Boxwood Shrubs As a general rule, one or two deep waterings per week is plenty during the plant's first year, decreasing to once per week during the shrub's second growing season. Thereafter, watering a boxwood is necessary only during periods of hot, dry weather. How far apart should you plant boxwood hedges?

In order to create a boxwood hedge, space dwarf cultivars about 30 to 36 inches apart, plants for a low hedge 15 to 18 inches apart and plants for a tall hedge about 24 inches apart. Avoid fertilizing boxwood during the first growing season they were planted because the fertilizer can damage their roots. How long does it take to grow a boxwood hedge?

In fact, "Compacta" has an extremely slow growth rate and may take 15 years to reach a height of about 10 inches. On the other hand, taller varieties grow more quickly. Most grow, on average, between 3 and 6 inches per year, but Buxus sempervirens "Highlander" grows at an astonishing rate of 24 inches per year. What is the best time to plant boxwoods? The ideal time to plant boxwoods is during the late fall, late winter or the early part of the spring.

Avoid planting at times of the year when temperatures are at their most extreme. This gives the boxwood time to become established before winter temperatures drop and spring temperatures rise.

If the hedge is wider at the top, or even the same width as the base, sunlight will be blocked from the lower parts, and leaves will die, leaving unsightly barren branches. It is important to start good pruning practices early so the maintenance of trimming boxwoods is easier. The longer you wait, the more you will have to prune. Wondering when to prune boxwoods? The best time of year to prune is early spring before the growing season begins.

It affects leaves and branches of boxwood shrubs with leaf discoloration. Symptoms may or may not be present.

Prune back diseased branches and any of the evergreen foliage that has turned. Fungicides may be necessary if the disease gets out of control. Boxwood Growth Rate You may be wondering how fast do boxwood grow? Large boxwood plants have a very slow growth rate. Boxwoods grow less than 12 inches per year. Plant this foundational hedge somewhere it can stay put. The shallow root system of these evergreen shrubs make them a great choice for planting under trees. Maintaining a healthy and attractive hedge takes some effort, but the results can be very satisfying.

The perfect shrub for formal gardens! Trimming or shearing encourages new growth and is best done in late spring or summer. Avoid pruning or trimming in fall or winter, because the new growth can be damaged by frost.

While a nice, compact bush may look healthy on the outside, that dense outer foliage caused from over pruning can keep air and light from getting to the inner part of the plant. Thin the outer growth annually so that air and light can get in, and prune away any dead or diseased branches from the center of the plant.

Shearing can be done with hand pruners , hedge clippers or electric trimmers. Provide extra protection from cold temperatures and winds with burlap wraps , decorative protection , or a windbreak. Apply a good layer of mulch to keep the roots insulated; this will also conserve moisture to prevent dehydration damage from cold winter winds.

If bronzing of the foliage does occur, resist the temptation to cut it back immediately. Boxwood bushes are extremely flexible and can adapt to various types of well-drained soils. Ideal soil pH is 6. For more on proper soil preparation and how to adjust your pH if needed, read Garden Soil Apply a balanced all-purpose fertilizer in spring to promote foliage growth, and again in fall to encourage root growth.

Apply the fertilizer throughout the root zone, which extends beyond the crown of the plant. Be careful; their shallow root systems can be damaged by over fertilizing. Water newly planted shrubs regularly for the first year, especially during hot, dry weather.

Water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and conserve moisture with a layer of mulch that extends 12 to 15 inches past the foliage line. Boxwood leaf miners, scale insects , lesion nematodes, caterpillars and mites can be a problem; treat with organic neem oil or insecticidal spray.

They can also be susceptible to powdery mildew , Pythium root rot, canker and leaf spots. Boxwood blight is a serious problem in many states. See below for more information and planting alternatives. A useful part of a deer-resistant garden , as the same alkaloid that makes them toxic also makes them distasteful and can give off a pungent scent, deterring deer. Its upright habit makes it perfect for hedges and its fast growth means it will fill in quickly.

This cold hardy variety requires little to no pruning and will form a thick, dense hedge. Caring for boxwoods planted in containers differs a little from caring for those planted in the yard. You really can't go wrong with any variety of this popular shrub, but some can handle cold — or sun and heat — better than others.

What are the hardiness zones of the variety you love? Beyond that, any boxwood is easy to care for and prune.

Do you want a low hedge or container plant? Or a tall, narrow variety for topiary? Are you anxious to fill in your hedge or border? Some boxwood varieties grow a little faster than others.

Search Keyword:. Blog Home. Plant Care. Landscaping Tips. Plant Addicts Anonymous. Information About Boxwood Shrubs Boxwood shrubs are a genus of around 70 species of the family Buxaceae.

Growing Healthy Boxwoods Caring for boxwood or 'buxus' is extremely easy. Planting Boxwood Planting boxwood shrubs in a group is ideal although they are perfectly fine being planted all on their own.

Watering Boxwood Water your newly planted boxwood well, and then about once a week for a year or so. Fertilizing Boxwood Boxwoods don't need much fertilizing, but a boost of balanced fertilizer each spring can promote green growth.