How Tall Do Boxwoods Grow

If you’re planning your garden, a common question is how tall do boxwoods grow. Understanding their growth potential is key to placing them correctly and avoiding future headaches. These classic shrubs are more variable than you might think.

Their final height depends heavily on the specific variety you choose. Some stay petite and neat, while others can become sizable garden sentinels. By picking the right one, you can save yourself a lot of pruning work down the line.

There is no single answer. Boxwood height ranges from a compact one foot to an impressive twenty feet. This huge range means you can find a cultivar for almost any need, from edging to tall screening.

Most popular landscape varieties fall between 2 to 4 feet tall at maturity. But “maturity” for a slow-growing boxwood can take many years. Always check the expected size for your specific plant.

Factors That Influence Boxwood Size

Several elements affect how big your boxwood will actually get. It’s not just about genetics.

Variety/Cultivar: This is the biggest factor. A ‘Suffruticosa’ English boxwood stays small, while a ‘Dee Runk’ common boxwood grows tall and narrow.
Sunlight: Boxwoods in full sun tend to grow denser but may stay slightly shorter. In deep shade, they become leggy as they stretch for light.
Soil and Nutrients: Rich, well-drained soil supports healthier, more robust growth. Poor soil can stunt the plant.
Pruning: Regular pruning obviously controls size, but severe pruning can sometimes trigger growth spurts as the plant recovers.
Climate and Hardiness Zone: Growth rates vary by region. A boxwood in Virginia may grow faster than the same one in Minnesota.

Popular Boxwood Varieties and Their Typical Heights

Here’s a look at some common types to help you choose. Remember, these are typical mature heights under good conditions.

Dwarf Boxwood Varieties (1-3 feet tall)

These are perfect for low borders, parterre gardens, or containers.

‘Suffruticosa’ (True Dwarf English): The classic edging boxwood. Very slow-growing to 2-3 feet. It’s often kept much shorter with trimming.
‘Green Gem’ (Hybrid): A rounded, cold-hardy hybrid that forms a neat ball. It typically reaches 2-3 feet.
‘Morris Midget’ (Korean): An extremely slow grower, forming a dense mound. It rarely exceeds 1.5 feet tall.

Medium-Sized Boxwoods (3-6 feet tall)

This is the most versatile group for hedges, foundation plantings, and specimens.

‘Green Velvet’ (Hybrid): A popular, rounded shrub reaching about 3-4 feet. It retains good green winter color.
‘Winter Gem’ (Korean): Known for it’s excellent winter hardiness and color. It can grow 4-6 feet tall and wide if left unpruned.
‘Vardar Valley’ (Common): A low, spreading form that grows wider than tall, usually topping out around 3 feet.

Tall Boxwood Varieties (6+ feet tall)

Use these for tall privacy screens, dramatic specimens, or formal pyramids.

‘Dee Runk’ (Common): A fastigiate form with a strong, upright columnar habit. It can reach 8-10 feet tall but stays only 2-3 feet wide.
‘Fastigiata’ (Common): Similar to ‘Dee Runk’, this variety is known for its upright, dense growth to about 6 feet.
‘Graham Blandy’ (Common): A very narrow, columnar shape. It can grow 9-12 feet tall but may only be 1-2 feet wide.
Common Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens): The species itself, if left untrimmed for decades, can become a small tree up to 15-20 feet tall.

Managing and Controlling Boxwood Growth

You are not at the mercy of your boxwood’s genetics. With proper care, you can guide its growth effectively.

Pruning for Size and Shape

Timing is Key: The best time for major shaping is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. You can do light trimming in mid-summer to tidy up.
Use the Right Tools: Keep hand pruners and hedge shears sharp and clean. This makes clean cuts that heal fast.
Thin, Don’t Just Shear: For health, occasionally reach inside and remove whole branches to improve air flow. This prevents the dense outer shell that can hide problems.
Avoid Cutting Into Old Wood: Boxwoods can be slow to sprout new growth from bare, leafless stems. Try to always leave some foliage on each branch.

Planting for Future Growth

Always space your boxwoods based on their mature width, not their nursery pot size. This gives their roots room and reduces competition. Crowded plants grow taller and leggier as they compete for light.

If you want a tight hedge immediately, you can plant closer but commit to more frequent pruning. It’s a trade-off. Also, ensure the planting site has good drainage, as wet feet will stunt growth and cause disease.

Common Problems That Stunt Growth

If your boxwood isn’t growing as expected, check for these issues:

Boxwood Blight: A serious fungal disease causing leaf spots, defoliation, and dieback. It severely weakens the plant.
Root Rot (Phytophthora): Often caused by poor drainage. Symptoms include stunted growth and pale green leaves.
Boxwood Leafminer: This insect’s larvae feed inside leaves, causing yellowing, blistering, and reduced vigor.
Winter Burn: Desiccation from wind and sun in winter can kill foliage, forcing the plant to use energy on recovery instead of growth.
Nutrient Deficiency: Yellowing leaves (chlorosis) can indicate poor soil pH or lack of nutrients, slowing growth.

FAQ: Your Boxwood Growth Questions Answered

How fast do boxwoods grow per year?
Most boxwoods are slow-growers. On average, they add 3-6 inches of new growth per year. Dwarf varieties may grow less, while some vigorous types can grow up to a foot in a good year.

Can I keep a tall boxwood variety short?
Yes, but it requires commitment. You’ll need to prune it at least once, sometimes twice, a year. It’s easier to choose a naturally shorter variety for a low hedge.

What is the tallest growing boxwood?
The common boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) has the greatest potential height. Old, unpruned specimens can reach 15 to 20 feet, resembling small trees.

Why is my boxwood not growing taller?
Check for the common problems listed above, especially soil drainage and pests. Also, ensure it’s getting enough sunlight—at least partial sun is needed for good growth.

How wide do boxwoods get?
Width is just as important as height. Most rounded cultivars grow about as wide as they are tall. Always check the mature spread when planning your garden layout.

Understanding how tall do boxwoods grow empowers you to make the right choice for your space. By selecting the appropriate variety and providing proper care, you can enjoy these timeless shrubs for many years without them outgrowing their welcome. Always remember to consider both their final height and width to ensure a balanced, beautiful garden that thrives.