How Far Apart Should Boxwoods Be Planted for Optimal Growth and Shape?

How Far Apart Should Boxwoods Be Planted?

Boxwoods are a popular choice for landscaping, thanks to their dense foliage, evergreen growth, and adaptability to a variety of conditions. But before you can enjoy the beauty of boxwoods in your own yard, you need to know how far apart to plant them.

The ideal spacing for boxwoods depends on a few factors, including the size of the mature plants, the desired growth rate, and the spacing of other plants in the landscape. In this article, we’ll discuss the factors to consider when determining how far apart to plant boxwoods, and we’ll provide some specific spacing recommendations for different types of boxwoods.

Factors to Consider When Spacing Boxwoods

When determining how far apart to plant boxwoods, there are a few factors to consider:

• The size of the mature plants. Boxwoods can grow to be quite large, so it’s important to space them far enough apart so that they have room to grow. As a general rule, you should plan to space boxwoods about 2-3 feet apart for small shrubs and 3-4 feet apart for larger shrubs.
• The desired growth rate. If you want your boxwoods to grow quickly, you can plant them closer together. However, if you’re willing to wait for them to reach their full size, you can space them further apart.
• The spacing of other plants in the landscape. When planting boxwoods in a landscape, it’s important to consider the spacing of other plants. You don’t want to crowd the boxwoods, but you also don’t want to leave too much space between them. A good rule of thumb is to space boxwoods about the same distance apart as the other plants in the landscape.

Specific Spacing Recommendations for Boxwoods

The following are some specific spacing recommendations for different types of boxwoods:

• American boxwood (Buxus sempervirens): American boxwood is a slow-growing shrub that can reach a height of 10-12 feet and a width of 6-8 feet. Space American boxwoods 2-3 feet apart.
• English boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’): English boxwood is a fast-growing shrub that can reach a height of 6-8 feet and a width of 4-6 feet. Space English boxwoods 3-4 feet apart.
• Japanese boxwood (Buxus microphylla): Japanese boxwood is a slow-growing shrub that can reach a height of 4-6 feet and a width of 3-4 feet. Space Japanese boxwoods 2-3 feet apart.

By considering the factors outlined in this article, you can determine the ideal spacing for boxwoods in your landscape. By planting your boxwoods at the correct spacing, you can ensure that they have room to grow and reach their full potential.

Boxwood Type	Spacing (Inches)	Notes
English Boxwood	18-24	For a formal hedge
Japanese Boxwood	12-18	For a more informal hedge
Dwarf Boxwood	6-12	For a groundcover

Factors Affecting Boxwood Spacing

When planting boxwoods, it is important to consider the following factors to ensure that they have enough space to grow and thrive:

• Boxwood size: The size of the mature boxwood will determine how far apart it should be planted. Standard boxwoods can grow to be 6 feet tall and wide, while dwarf boxwoods only reach 2-3 feet tall.
• Climate: Boxwoods are hardy in USDA zones 5-9, but they will grow best in climates with mild winters and summers. In hot climates, boxwoods may need to be watered more frequently and may be more susceptible to pests and diseases.
• Soil conditions: Boxwoods prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels, but they do not do well in clay soils or soils that are prone to flooding.
• Desired growth habit: Boxwoods can be trained to grow in a variety of shapes, including formal hedges, informal borders, and topiary. The desired growth habit will also affect how far apart the boxwoods should be planted.

Recommended Boxwood Spacing

The following table provides recommended spacing for boxwoods of different sizes and growth habits:

| Boxwood size | Spacing |
| ———— | ——– |
| Standard boxwoods | 3 feet apart |
| Dwarf boxwoods | 2 feet apart |
| Upright boxwoods | 4 feet apart |

It is important to note that these are just general guidelines. The specific spacing that you need for your boxwoods may vary depending on the factors discussed above. If you are unsure about how far apart to plant your boxwoods, it is always best to consult with a qualified horticulturist.

By considering the factors listed above, you can ensure that your boxwoods have enough space to grow and thrive. By following these tips, you can enjoy your beautiful boxwoods for many years to come.

How Far Apart Should Boxwoods Be Planted?

Boxwoods (Buxus spp.) are evergreen shrubs that are popular for their dense foliage, glossy leaves, and tolerance of a wide range of growing conditions. They are often used as hedges, foundation plantings, and specimen plants. When planting boxwoods, it is important to space them correctly so that they have enough room to grow and thrive.

The ideal spacing for boxwoods will vary depending on the variety of boxwood, the size of the mature plant, and the desired effect. In general, boxwoods should be spaced 2 to 3 feet apart for a formal hedge, 3 to 4 feet apart for a informal hedge, and 4 to 5 feet apart for specimen plants.

When planting boxwoods, it is important to dig the holes twice as wide as the root ball and deep enough so that the plant sits level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole with soil and water the plant thoroughly.

Here are some tips for spacing boxwoods:

• Mark the planting holes with a stake or string. This will help you to ensure that the plants are spaced evenly.
• Dig the holes twice as wide as the root ball. This will give the roots plenty of room to grow.
• Set the plants in the holes and backfill with soil. Firm the soil around the roots and water the plants thoroughly.

Troubleshooting Boxwood Spacing

If the plants are too close together, they may compete for resources and become stunted. If the plants are too far apart, they may not fill in the space and may be susceptible to wind damage. If you are not sure how far apart to space your boxwoods, it is always better to err on the side of caution and space them closer together. You can always thin out the plants later if necessary.

Additional Resources

• [How to Plant Boxwoods](https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-plant-boxwoods-4181522)
• [Boxwood Spacing Guide](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/boxwood/boxwood-spacing.htm)
• [Boxwood Care Tips](https://www.bhg.com/gardening/shrubs/boxwood/boxwood-care-tips)

How to Space Boxwoods

To space boxwoods, you will need:

• A shovel
• A garden hose
• A measuring tape
• Stakes or string

Step 1: Mark the planting holes

First, you will need to mark the planting holes. To do this, use a shovel to dig a hole in the ground where you want to plant the boxwood. Then, use a garden hose to fill the hole with water. The water will create a depression in the ground, which will mark the location of the planting hole.

Step 2: Dig the planting holes

Once you have marked the planting holes, you will need to dig them. The holes should be twice as wide as the root ball of the boxwood. The depth of the hole should be the same as the depth of the root ball.

Step 3: Set the plants in the holes

Next, you will need to set the plants in the holes. To do this, gently remove the boxwood from its container and place it in the hole. The top of the root ball should be level with the surrounding soil.

Step 4: Backfill the holes

Once the plants are in the holes, you will need to backfill them with soil. Use your hands to pack the soil around the roots of the plants. Be sure to water the plants thoroughly after you have backfilled the holes.

Step 5: Stake the plants

It is a good idea to stake the plants after you have planted them. This will help to support the plants and prevent them from blowing over in the wind. To stake the plants, use stakes or string to attach the plants to the ground.

Step 6: Water the plants regularly

Boxwoods need regular watering to establish themselves. Water the plants deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry.

Step 7: Fertilize the plants

Boxwoods should be fertilized in early spring and again in late summer. Use a slow-release fertilizer that is specifically formulated for evergreens.

Step 8: Prune the plants

Boxwoods can be pruned to maintain their shape and size. Prune the plants in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.

**Troubleshooting Boxwood Spacing

How far apart should boxwoods be planted?

Boxwoods should be planted 2-3 feet apart for a formal hedge or 3-4 feet apart for a more informal hedge. The exact spacing will depend on the size of the mature boxwoods you want and the growth rate of the variety you choose.

What factors should I consider when spacing boxwoods?

When spacing boxwoods, you should consider the following factors:

• The size of the mature boxwoods you want.
• The growth rate of the variety you choose.
• The desired shape of the hedge.
• The amount of space you have available.

How do I know when to plant boxwoods?

Boxwoods can be planted in spring or fall, but they are best planted in the spring. This gives them time to establish roots before the hot summer weather arrives.

How deep should I plant boxwoods?

Boxwoods should be planted so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.

What type of soil do boxwoods need?

Boxwoods grow best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, but they do not like to be soggy.

How much water do boxwoods need?

Boxwoods need regular watering, especially during the first year after planting. Once established, they can tolerate some drought, but they will not do well if the soil dries out completely.

How do I fertilize boxwoods?

Boxwoods should be fertilized in spring and fall with a slow-release fertilizer. The amount of fertilizer you use will depend on the size of the boxwoods and the type of fertilizer you choose.

How do I prune boxwoods?

Boxwoods should be pruned in late winter or early spring. The goal of pruning is to maintain the desired shape of the hedge and to remove any dead or diseased branches.

What pests and diseases affect boxwoods?

Boxwoods can be affected by a variety of pests and diseases, including aphids, boxwood borers, boxwood leaf miners, and powdery mildew. It is important to monitor your boxwoods for signs of pests and diseases and to treat them as soon as possible.

How can I prevent problems with my boxwoods?

There are a few things you can do to prevent problems with your boxwoods, including:

• Planting them in the right location with the right soil conditions.
• Providing them with regular water and fertilizer.
• Pruning them properly.
• Monitoring them for signs of pests and diseases and treating them as soon as possible.

  the ideal spacing for boxwoods depends on the variety of boxwood, the desired size of the mature plant, and the spacing of other plants in the landscape. For most varieties of boxwood, a spacing of 2 to 3 feet apart is recommended. This will allow the plants to grow to their full potential and will provide adequate space for air circulation and root growth. If you are planting boxwoods in a formal landscape, you may want to space them closer together, such as 18 inches apart. This will create a more uniform look. However, keep in mind that boxwoods planted too close together may compete for resources and may not grow as large as they would if they were spaced further apart. When planting boxwoods, it is also important to consider the mature size of the plant. Some varieties of boxwood, such as English boxwood (Buxus sempervirens), can grow to be quite large, while others, such as dwarf boxwood (Buxus microphylla), remain relatively small. It is important to choose a variety of boxwood that will be the appropriate size for your landscape. Finally, be sure to take into account the spacing of other plants in the landscape when planting boxwoods. If you are planting boxwoods near other plants, be sure to leave enough space between the plants so that they have room to grow. By following these tips, you can ensure that your boxwoods will grow to their full potential and provide you with years of enjoyment.