Discover the growth rates of various boxwood varieties. Learn about slow, medium, and fast-growing boxwoods to choose the perfect option for your landscape. Expert tips included.

Boxwood growth rates vary significantly among different varieties. Slow-growing types like ‘Green Velvet’ and ‘Suffruticosa’ grow 1-3 inches per year. Medium-growth varieties such as ‘Green Mountain’ and ‘Winter Gem’ grow 3-6 inches annually. Fast-growing boxwoods like ‘Green Beauty’ and ‘Fastigiata’ can grow 6-12 inches per year.

As a horticulturist with over two decades of experience cultivating and studying boxwoods, I’m excited to share my knowledge about the growth rates of these versatile evergreen shrubs. Understanding the growth rates of different boxwood varieties is crucial for successful landscape planning and maintenance.

Understanding Boxwood Growth Rates

Factors Affecting Boxwood Growth

Environmental Factors:

• Sunlight exposure
• Soil quality and pH
• Water availability
• Climate and temperature

Care and Maintenance:

• Pruning practices
• Fertilization
• Disease and pest management

For more detailed information on boxwood care, visit the American Boxwood Society.

Categorizing Boxwood Growth Rates

Slow-Growing Boxwoods (1-3 inches per year)

Medium-Growing Boxwoods (3-6 inches per year)

Fast-Growing Boxwoods (6-12 inches per year)

Slow-Growing Boxwood Varieties

‘Suffruticosa’ (English Boxwood)

Growth Rate:

• 1-2 inches per year

Characteristics:

• Dense, compact growth
• Small, dark green leaves
• Ideal for formal hedges and borders

‘Green Velvet’

Growth Rate:

• 2-3 inches per year

Characteristics:

• Rounded shape
• Bright green foliage
• Excellent cold hardiness

Medium-Growing Boxwood Varieties

‘Green Mountain’

Growth Rate:

• 4-6 inches per year

Characteristics:

• Upright, conical shape
• Dark green leaves
• Good resistance to winter burn

‘Winter Gem’

Growth Rate:

• 3-4 inches per year

Characteristics:

• Compact, rounded form
• Bright green summer foliage
• Bronze tint in winter

Fast-Growing Boxwood Varieties

‘Green Beauty’

Growth Rate:

• 6-8 inches per year

Characteristics:

• Upright, oval shape
• Deep green foliage
• Heat and drought tolerant

‘Fastigiata’ (Columnar Boxwood)

Growth Rate:

• 8-12 inches per year

Characteristics:

• Tall, narrow growth habit
• Dark green leaves
• Ideal for creating vertical accents

Choosing the Right Boxwood for Your Landscape

Considerations for Selection:

Landscape Purpose:

• Hedges
• Topiaries
• Foundation plantings
• Accent plants

Maintenance Requirements:

• Pruning frequency
• Fertilization needs
• Pest and disease susceptibility

Climate Adaptation:

• Cold hardiness
• Heat tolerance
• Drought resistance

Boxwood Blight Tolerance and Leafminer Resistance by Cultivar (Table)

Cultivar	Boxwood Blight Tolerance	Leafminer Resistance
Buxus sempervirens	Moderate	Low
Buxus microphylla	High	Moderate
Buxus sinica	High	High
Buxus ‘Green Mountain’	Moderate	Moderate
Buxus ‘Green Velvet’	High	Moderate
Buxus ‘Winter Gem’	High	Moderate
Buxus ‘Sempervirens Suffruticosa’	Low	Low
Buxus ‘Franklin’s Gem’	High	High
Buxus ‘Vardar Valley’	High	Moderate

Notes:

• Boxwood Bligh
• Leafminer Resistance refers to the cultivar’s ability to resist damage from the boxwood leafminer (Monarthropalpus flavus).

Boxwood Specimen comparison

Specimen	Growth Habit	Height/Width	Foliage Color	Uses

Buxus sempervirens

Dense, rounded

3-10 ft / 3-4 ft

Dark green

Hedges, topiary, foundation plantings

Buxus microphylla

Compact, bushy

2-3 ft / 2-3 ft

Glossy green

Low hedges, borders, and container planting

Buxus sinica

Rounded, upright

4-6 ft / 3-4 ft

Dark green

Hedges, screens, and accents

Buxus ‘Green Mountain’

Pyramidal, upright

3-5 ft / 2-3 ft

Bright green

Formal hedges, topiary, and borders

Buxus ‘Green Velvet’

Compact, mounded

2-3 ft / 3-4 ft

Dark green

Low hedges, edging, and mass plantings

Buxus ‘Winter Gem’

Rounded, dense

2-3 ft / 2-3 ft

Light green

Foundation plantings, hedges

Buxus ‘Franklin’s Gem’

Compact, low-growing

1-2 ft / 2-3 ft

Dark green

Ground cover, low borders

Buxus ‘Vardar Valley’

Upright, narrow

3-4 ft / 2-3 ft

Bright green

Hedges, screens, and formal gardens

Key Points:

• Growth Habit: Describes the overall shape and form of the boxwood.
• Height/Width: Provides an estimate of the typical dimensions of the specimen.
• Foliage Color: Indicates the color of the leaves, which can affect landscape design.
• Uses: Common applications for each cultivar in landscaping.

Care Tips for Optimal Boxwood Growth

Planting and Soil Preparation

Soil Requirements:

• Well-draining soil
• pH between 6.5 and 7.5
• Rich in organic matter

Planting Tips:

• Plant at the same depth as the container
• Space according to mature size
• Water thoroughly after planting

For additional guidance on soil preparation, check out this guide from the University of Maryland Extension.

Watering and Fertilization

Watering Guidelines:

• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
• Water deeply and less frequently
• Use mulch to retain moisture

Fertilization:

• Apply slow-release fertilizer in spring
• Avoid over-fertilization
• Use balanced, nitrogen-rich formula

Pruning and Shaping

Pruning Techniques:

• Light pruning in late spring or early summer
• Heavy pruning in late winter or early spring
• Avoid pruning in late fall

Shaping Tips:

• Maintain desired shape with regular trimming
• Allow for natural growth pattern when possible
• Use sharp, clean tools to prevent damage

Common Boxwood Growth Issues

Pest Problems:

Boxwood Leafminer:

• Symptoms: Blistered or discolored leaves
• Treatment: Systemic insecticides or neem oil

Boxwood Mite:

• Symptoms: Bronzing or stippling of leaves
• Treatment: Miticides or horticultural oils

Disease Concerns:

Boxwood Blight:

• Symptoms: Leaf spots, stem cankers, defoliation
• Prevention: Good air circulation, avoid overhead watering

Root Rot:

• Symptoms: Yellowing leaves, stunted growth
• Prevention: Well-draining soil, avoid overwatering

Understanding the growth rates of different boxwood varieties is essential for creating and maintaining a beautiful, well-planned landscape. Whether you choose slow-growing varieties for formal hedges, medium-growing types for general landscaping, or fast-growing boxwoods for quick privacy screens, each has its unique benefits and care requirements.

Remember that while growth rates are important, factors like climate adaptation, maintenance needs, and aesthetic preferences should also guide your selection. With proper care and attention, boxwoods can be long-lived, attractive additions to any garden or landscape.

For more in-depth information on boxwood varieties and their characteristics, visit the United States National Arboretum.

By considering the information provided in this guide, you can select the boxwood variety that best suits your landscape goals and growing conditions. Happy gardening!

For more gardening tips and  plant care guides, visit usagardenhub.com.