Growth Rate of Buxus Sempervirens

Buxus sempervirens, commonly known as boxwood, grows slowly at about 6 inches per year if growing conditions are favorable. This shrub's versatility make it an ideal choice for landscape design since it makes an appropriate hedge or foundation plant and looks nice as well in a mass planting. If topiary interests you, this shrub holds up well when trimmed into a shape. Its descriptive name has old origins: Buxus is the Latin name for "boxwood," and sempervirens means "always green."

A relatively slow grower, Buxus sempervirens can reach heights of 8 to 20 feet when established. The round, dense shrub has a 10- to 15-foot spread. Hardy in Zones 5 to 8, boxwood can live for many years. However, the growth rate slows down in an old box tree so that a 100-year-old plant stabilizes at around 16 to 32 feet.

Buxus sempervirens originated in Southern Europe, Western Asia and Northern Africa. If left to grow into a natural shape, it most often grows in a gumdrop shape. The growth is dense, with many branches supporting leathery 1-inch long leaves, and the foliage has a distinct odor that some people don't like. Also, Buxus is evergreen through the winter and has flowers that attract bees in April and May.

Buxus sempervirens prefers a sunny location protected from winter winds and spaced 24 to 36 inches apart. If planted in shade or very exposed sites, the growth rate will be slower; in exposed areas, the leaves may burn in the winter. Buxus will grow in most locations, except for very wet areas.

Keep trimming to a minimum until the shrub reaches full size because of the slow growth rate. Established Buxus can withstand drought, but the leaves will lose color; its normal green color will come back after watering. Buxus is low maintenance in most locations, but it is helpful to keep the soil moist and cool by putting mulch around the root area.