How to Grow a Boxwood Shrub (2025)

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Boxwoods enjoy partial sun, about 4 to 6 hours per day. They will tolerate full sun but like protection from the hottest rays in the afternoon. They are not picky about soil types and will do well with soil pH from slightly acidic to slightlyalkaline.

Drainage is a must, however. Poorly drained sites are not suitable for these shrubs. Most species and varieties are hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9, although some hybrids are available that are hardy down to zone4.

Boxwoods are susceptible to winter burn damage if planted in a windy spot. Plants on sites with a south or southwest exposure are most likely to suffer issues. To help reduce the chance of winter injury, provide a windbreak from harsh winterwinds.

When to PlantBoxwoods

Like other trees and shrubs, the best time to plant boxwoods is in spring or early summer. Containerized stock can be transplanted throughout the growing season, but try to get them in the ground at least six weeks before the ground starts to freeze to let them establish their root system. In warmer climates, fall planting is also apossibility.

How to PlantBoxwoods

Boxwoods planted for a hedge or border planting need to be grouped closely together. Half the mature width apart will provide a dense, well-knit effect. Boxwoods that reach four feet wide at maturity should be planted two feet apart to provide that smooth, manicured privacy screen orborder.

Plants that will be specimen or accent shrubs can be planted with standard spacing to allow air circulation and a more open, looseshape.

• Dig a hole twice as wide as the rootball and slightly deeper. It should resemble a shallow bowl, not awell.
• When setting the plant in the ground, the crown should be slightly higher in the soil than in the nursery pot. Planting boxwoods too deep can allow water ponding on the surface, which may lead to root rot issues. Place the rootball in the hole and adjust with soil until it’s at the correctdepth.
• If the roots are heavily circled or overgrown, you may need to loosen them first. Use a handheld garden tool to cut any girdling roots and loosen the rootball.
• Set your boxwood in the hole and begin backfilling with the soil you removed. Be sure to firm the soil to eliminate air pockets around theroots.
• Water your new plantwell.
• Mulch thickly, about 3-4 inches deep, around the base, but don’t mound the mulch around the stem. Mulch touching the stem can sometimes lead to rot anddisease.
• Taller, older shrubs purchased from a nursery may need staking for the first year, as they can betop-heavy.

Boxwoods don’t need much maintenance once they are established. Re-apply mulch to keep unsightly weeds down and maintain the soil moisturelevel.

• During the first year, water regularly. They are relatively shallow-rooted and will need supplemental watering during hot, dry spellsafterward.
• Fertilize if desired in spring with a slow-release general-purpose fertilizer or one specifically for shrubs and ornamental trees. Avoid fertilizing in the fall. Don’t overapply–fertilizer will help your boxwood to be full and lush, but it won’t make it grow muchfaster.

When to TrimBoxwoods

Boxwoods can be lightly trimmed or sheared for shaping at nearly any time during the growing season. Avoid pruning in late fall as this encourages new growth which may be damaged by oncoming coldweather.

When to PruneBoxwoods

Boxwoods don’t need heavy pruning. If outer growth becomes too dense, selectively remove some of the older branches to improve air circulation and allow more light. Any heavy pruning of branches should be done in late winter or early spring before leavy growth. Dead, broken, or diseased branches can be pruned out anytime.

With so many types of boxwood to choose from, it makes sense to narrow down the choices to fit your intended use. Pay attention to mature size, whether that’s small and compact or tall and imposing, as well as growthrates.

• ‘Graham Blandy’ (B. sempervirens) is a tall, columnar shrub that can reach 15 feet in height while remaining only 2-4 feet wide. An excellent choice for privacy fences and marking propertyborders.
• Korean boxwoods (B. sinica) are smaller in size, with smaller leaves. Slow growers, they are sometimes chosen forbonsai.
• Sprinter® boxwood (B. microphylla ‘Bulthouse’) is a compact, shorter shrub with a mature size of 2-4 feet tall. It makes a rounded shape with little effort and is one of the fastest-growingboxwoods.
• Buxus sempervirens ‘Pyramidalis’ maintains a cone shape without trimming. Modest in size at 8-12 feettall.

Andy Wilcox