Boxwood Growth Rate by Cultivar (Table)
| Name | Botanical Name | Zone | Sun | Growth Rate |
| Baby Gem | Buxus microphylla japonica ‘Gregem’ | 5-9 | Full Sun | medium |
| Buddy | Buxus sempervirens ‘Buddy’ | 6-8 | Full Sun, Part Sun, Shade | medium |
| Chicagoland Green™ | Buxus x Chicagoland Green™ (‘Glencoe’) | 5-8 | Full Sun, Part Sun, Shade | medium |
| Dee Runk | Buxus sempervirens ‘Dee Runk’ | 6-8 | Full Sun, Part Sun, Shade | medium-fast |
How fast do boxwood shrubs grow?
Boxwoods are slow-growing shrubs, so don’t expect more than 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) of growth per year. However, good fertilizer, regular and selective pruning, and adequate watering can influence growth health.
How do you plant a baby gem boxwood?
More About Baby Gem™ Boxwood 1 Water before planting 2 Plant in full sun to part shade 3 Dig hole 2X the width of pot 4 Backfill and plant 1″-2″ above soil level 5 Water and add more soil if needed 6 Mulch 1-2″ deep around plant, avoiding area closest to stem
How big does a winter gem boxwood get?
The ‘Winter Gem’ boxwood will reach a height of two to three feet tall and have a spread of two to three feet naturally. Trim stray growth for a more formal look. In colder climates pruning any boxwood should only be done in spring, never fall or winter.
Is there a right size boxwood for You?
Whatever the shape or size, there’s likely a boxwood out there for you. So, lets take a look at the growth rate of different boxwood varieties to find the right one for you. How fast do boxwood grow? Overall, boxwood has a very slow growth rate that’s typically 6 inches or less per year.
How fast does a boxwood grow?
What is a boxwood shrub?
What is the difference between boxwood and volutella?
What causes boxwood to turn brown?
What causes box blight on a plant?
What is the primary pest of boxwood?
Does boxwood decline?
See more
How long does it take baby gem boxwood to grow?
Overall, boxwood has a very slow growth rate that's typically 6 inches or less per year. Boxwoods can be broken down into growth rates of slow, medium and fast — although keep in mind that even the fast growth rate of boxwood varieties is quite slow in comparison to other landscape shrubs.
How big do baby gem boxwoods get?
about 3 feet tallThis evergreen shrub is about 3 feet tall and wide at maturity. Even at this compact size, this boxwood grows faster than comparable varieties. Baby Gem™ Boxwoods grow infull sun to part shade. Theyadapt well to a variety of well-draining soils.
How can I speed up boxwood growth?
Prune your boxwood shrubs between the last spring frost and the first winter frost.You can also prune the shrubs during the growing season, especially if it is growing a lot and getting out of shape.Hand pruning is the most effective way to trim shrubs.
How far apart should baby gem boxwoods be planted?
3 to 4 feet apartFor an informal planting, plant 3 to 4 feet apart on center. If you are planning on pruning into a formal hedge, plant 18 to 24 inches apart center on center. You can also plant these in garden planters, for year round interest regardless of weather.
Which boxwood grows fastest?
American boxwoodAmerican boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) tends to be larger and grows faster than English boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa'). Without pruning, it will become a wide shrub or small tree reaching 15 or more feet and has a more irregular shape than its English cousin with its more compact shape.
Can you keep baby gem boxwoods small?
Baby Gem™ Boxwood, Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Gregem' PP21159, is the ideal shrub for a small space. This plant is perfect for small gardens and focal points with its small stature and delicate leaves.
Are boxwood slow growing?
Boxwood plants are the quintessential hedge plants. They are evergreen, have small leaves, and tolerate heavy shearing and pruning. Boxwoods have a slow growth rate, have few pests and diseases, and are ignored by deer and rabbits.
What is the smallest boxwood?
Dwarf English BoxwoodBuxus sempervirens suffruticosa: Dwarf English Boxwood is the smallest of the boxwood family and only reaches 1 to 2 feet tall by 1 to 2 feet wide when mature. Used extensively in knot gardens and as edger plants.
Does trimming a bush make it grow faster?
Heading cuts remove the tips of the branches, encouraging increased branching, while thinning cuts allow light and air to reach the center of the plant, promoting new, healthy growth.
How do you shape a baby gem boxwood?
0:054:20Pruning Boxwood into Globe Form - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn terms of the foliage as I let it grow throughout the course of the season. So basically I justMoreIn terms of the foliage as I let it grow throughout the course of the season. So basically I just kind of start at the top. I'm going to hold them horizontally.
When should I plant boxwoods?
When to Plant Boxwoods. Shrub planting is best done in spring or summer so that it can get well established before winter. Spring is best because while a new planting is becoming acclimated to its new environment, extreme weather conditions like heat or drought can cause undue stress.
How do you prune baby gem boxwoods?
0:322:42Winter Gem Boxwood Pruning : Grow Guru - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLook you can take just regular pruning shears. And even this off I prefer this method of pruning toMoreLook you can take just regular pruning shears. And even this off I prefer this method of pruning to a hedge clipper. Because this does less damage to the leaves.
How do you shape a baby gem boxwood?
0:054:20Pruning Boxwood into Globe Form - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn terms of the foliage as I let it grow throughout the course of the season. So basically I justMoreIn terms of the foliage as I let it grow throughout the course of the season. So basically I just kind of start at the top. I'm going to hold them horizontally.
What does a baby gem boxwood look like?
1:282:45Baby Gem™ Boxwoods in 2 Minutes - I Have Over 50 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake a rounded shape that's slightly wider than tall. Really fantastic plants full Sun or part shadeMoreTake a rounded shape that's slightly wider than tall. Really fantastic plants full Sun or part shade is. Best if you put them in deep shade. They probably would. They probably do okay but they may end
What is the smallest variety of boxwood?
Dwarf English BoxwoodBuxus sempervirens suffruticosa: Dwarf English Boxwood is the smallest of the boxwood family and only reaches 1 to 2 feet tall by 1 to 2 feet wide when mature. Used extensively in knot gardens and as edger plants.
Does a baby gem boxwood bloom?
Bloom/Feature Deer resistant, exceptionally compact boxwood.
How do you speed up the growth of boxwood?
To speed up growth, prune your boxwood. Make sure that you wait at least six weeks after the last sign of frost in your region before doing it, tho...
What are the best growing conditions for Boxwood Shrubs?
Boxwoods do best in loamy soil with some full sun and part shade during the day. It is prudent to plant your boxwoods where they are sheltered from...
How much spacing do Boxwoods need?
For a hedge, plant smaller species of boxwood about six inches apart. If you are growing larger varieties, plant the shrubs around 24-inches apart...
Which variety of boxwood grows the biggest?
The American Boxwood is the tallest species of this shrub, and it can grow up to 20-feet tall. It's also the most popular type of Boxwood among con...
What is the smallest variety of boxwood?
The Kingsville Dwarf Boxwood is the smallest variety of Boxwood. It is slow-growing, only gaining around half an inch of new growth each year. At m...
How fast do boxwoods grow?
Boxwoods have a slow growth rate, with some cultivars only growing a half-inch per year. The fastest-growing Boxwood shrubs typically only gain fiv...
How Fast do Boxwoods Grow?
Boxwoods are one of the slower-growing shrubs, averaging less than six inches of new growth each year. There are many varieties of boxwood, and some smaller dwarf boxwoods only grow a half-inch per year. The biggest Boxwood is also the most common; the American Boxwood, which grows an average of five to six inches annually.
Boxwood Shrubs
Boxwood shrubs are a common type of shrub that make great hedges, with lots of versatility and options for consumers.
Growth Rates of Boxwoods
Boxwoods are easy to grow in the right conditions, though none of the boxwood cultivars are very fast growers. Boxwoods prefer a sheltered location and well-draining soil.
Issues Impacting Growth
A common issue for boxwoods that can impact their growth rate is discoloration of the foliage called ‘winter bronzing.’ This occurs when the shrub is exposed to too much sun or wind.
Frequently Asked Questions about How Fast Boxwoods Grow
To speed up growth, prune your boxwood. Make sure that you wait at least six weeks after the last sign of frost in your region before doing it, though. Start at the top and taper your boxwood as you trim downward for the best results.
Conclusion
Boxwoods are an excellent choice for shrubbery near trees due to their shallow root system.
How tall is a winter gem boxwood?
The ‘Winter Gem’ boxwood will reach a height of three to five feet tall and have a spread of two to four feet naturally. This form can be desirable in its own right, but most gardeners prefer the formal look of trimmed boxwoods. In colder climates pruning any boxwood should only be done in spring, never fall or winter.
Where is Boxwood found?
Everyone knows boxwood by sight, if not by name. It is a common evergreen shrub found coast to coast, from the Gulf to the Upper Peninsula.
What is the best boxwood to plant in cold climates?
A great choice is Winter Gem Boxwood ( Buxus sinica var. insula ris ‘Winter Gem ’). This dwarf-variety boxwood cultivar was introduced in 1982 at a nursery in New Jersey.
What temperature is winter gem?
The shrub is hardy down to temperatures as low as -20 o Fahrenheit. The perfect range for this shrub is anywhere in USDA Zones 5-9 .
Do boxwoods need to be pruned?
When people complain about boxwoods, it is often about needing to trim or prune the shrub. Most people want the beauty without the work. ‘Winter Gem’ does not offer maintenance-free plant ownership, unless there is a landscaper involved, but it can be low-maintenance in comparison to some other varieties.
Can a sage plant survive in wet soil?
The shrub will do okay in any soil that is not consistently wet. It prefers medium moisture in a well-drained soil that is sandy or loamy and with a neutral pH.
Can winter gems grow in straight lines?
The foliage will seem to grow thicker whenever it is pruned. ‘Winter Gem’ shines brightest when used formally in straight lines, as patterns as a hedge, or when shaped in a ball or square. It can also, however, hold its own in a landscape without trimming and its compact growth habit makes it an ideal choice for landscapes with limited space.
How to Make Boxwoods Grow Faster
Boxwoods are slow-growing shrubs, so don’t expect more than 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) of growth per year. However, good fertilizer, regular and selective pruning, and adequate watering can influence growth health.
Tips for Faster Boxwood Growth
There are several families of boxwood shrubs, and each has its own unique charm. However, the American family of boxwoods (Buxus sempervirens) is generally a faster-growing boxwood.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Make Boxwoods Grow Faster
Wait until six weeks after your last frost, then prune your boxwood. This will encourage lateral growth. Remember to follow the tapered top to bottom pruning approach as you don’t want the lower branches to die.
Over the Final Hedge
Boxwoods are darling plants, and once I figured out what mine needed, they were so little work it was amazing.
How fast does a boxwood grow?
Fast Boxwood Growth Rate = 4-6″/year. Medium Boxwood Growth Rate = 2-3″/year. Slow Boxwood Growth Rate = .5-1″/year.
What is a boxwood shrub?
Boxwood are one of the most versatile shrubs for year-round interest in your landscape. They provide structure to both formal and informal gardens and come in so many shapes and sizes. Some are rounded, some low growing and spreading, some stand more upright and some are pyramidal in shape.
What is the difference between boxwood and volutella?
This looks similar to winter burn, as foliage will turn bronze, then red, then yellow. The difference is the boxwood will not recover with fresh growth in spring. Cankers will form on branches and bark will peel off.
What causes boxwood to turn brown?
It’s difficult to treat once its visibly present (foliage turns light green, then brown, then straw color). Root rot will weaken and eventually kill the boxwood.
What causes box blight on a plant?
in 2011. Box blight is caused by a fungus (Cylindrocladium buxicola) with heavy, sticky spores that attack the foliage. Infected leaves fall of the plant in a matter of a week or so. Stems near infected leaves will develop streaked black stem lesions or cankers.
What is the primary pest of boxwood?
The good news is that there are effective control options to manage leafminer. Learn more about leafminer here.
Does boxwood decline?
Only affects English boxwood. Some believe boxwood decline is a single disease, while others believe it is the result of many negative factors that descend on and eventually kill a boxwood.
