Boxwood: Structure That Lasts a Lifetime
Buxus sempervirens
Boxwood is the backbone of formal gardens. Dense evergreen foliage that holds crisp shapes — hedges, parterres, topiaries, spheres. Slow-growing and expensive up front, but these shrubs can live a century with good care.
Specifications
- Sun
- Part sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Hardiness zones
- 5–8
- Height
- 2–10 ft
- Bloom time
- Insignificant
Care & growing tips
Plant in well-drained soil. Prune annually in late spring after the new growth hardens. Watch for boxwood blight — a destructive fungal disease. Choose blight-resistant cultivars like "Green Beauty" or "Winter Gem" for new plantings.
Companion plants
03Find boxwood in your zone
04Zone-specific care, planting windows, and alternatives.
Place boxwood in your real yard
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Frequently Asked Questions
01 How fast does boxwood grow?
Slowly — 2–3 inches per year. That's why mature hedges are expensive. Patience pays off with incredible density and longevity.
02 How do I prevent boxwood blight?
Plant blight-resistant cultivars, space for airflow, avoid overhead watering, and sanitize pruning tools between plants. Remove and destroy any infected material.
03 Can boxwood grow in shade?
Boxwood tolerates part sun better than most formal shrubs, but full shade produces sparse, leggy growth. Aim for at least 4 hours of sun — morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal in hotter zones.