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How fast do Japanese boxwoods grow? check this out | japanese boxwood growth rate

Author

Mia Lopez

Updated on July 18, 2026

Japanese Boxwood Growth Rate

Although most boxwoods are slow-growing shrubs, Japanese box is the fastest growing variety, reaching its mature size in three to five years.

The Japanese Boxwood growth rate is slow – less than 12 inches per year. Since these boxwood’s rate of growth is so slow, space them 2-3 feet apart to make a shrub border hedge. Space at least 2 feet away from home or fence. The Japanese Boxwood height grows up to 5-6 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide.

Is Japanese box slow-growing?

Japanese Box is an evergreen shrub with lime green oval-shaped leaves that are often used for creating small compact hedges. It is a quicker growing alternative to English Box which is very slow-growing. Japanese Box is best suited to full sun and light shade.

Is Japanese box hedge fast growing?

Although members of the Buxus genus are not fast growers, the Japanese variety is the speediest among them, reaching maturity in 3-5 years.

How much do Japanese boxwoods grow per year?

How fast do boxwood 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 far apart should Japanese boxwood be planted?

For tall hedges, place them a little farther apart; closer together for lower hedges. Japanese boxwood spacing should be at least 5-6 feet apart. Space the plants with enough room to grow to full maturity. Boxwood hedge spacing is important for keeping the plants to their full size and density.

How do you make Japanese boxes grow faster?

Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Feed in autumn and spring with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser, or for a low-odour alternative: Yates Thrive All Purpose Liquid Plant Food. Fertilise every 2 weeks to promote healthy foliage growth and strong root development.

How much water does a Japanese boxwood need?

How Often to Water Boxwoods
1 inch of water per week for new plants.Minimal watering is necessary for established boxwood.Ensure soil is well drained.Apply 1 inch layer of mulch to retain moisture.More water does not increase growth rate.

How do you care for Japanese boxwoods?

Japanese Boxwood Care

Do not trim more than 25% deep into the shrub for the best appearance. Water very deep into the ground, twice a week regularly the first year. Once a week watering the 2nd year. And after that it should require little watering except during long periods of drought.

Can Japanese boxwood grow in shade?

A native of Japan, Japanese boxwood – also called the Little-Leaf Boxwood – grows in both sun and shade but can become brown in winter if sited in full sun.

What is the fastest growing hedge in Australia?

Mock Orange (Murraya paniculata)

Another one of the most popular hedging and screening plants across Australia, the Mock Orange grows up to four metres high. It is dense and fast-growing with dark green foliage, and it produces an abundance of orange-blossom-scented white flowers in summer and spring.

Which box hedge grows fastest?

The Leylandii is a conifer that’s the fastest-growing, evergreen hedge and will create one quickly. If it is pruned every year, Leylandii will create a formal dark-green evergreen screen or box-shaped hedge, similar to a Yew hedge. Leylandii can be kept to any height as long as you trim it once or twice a year.

What is the fastest growing bush?

Ligustrum x ibolium. This deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub is America’s fasting-growing hedge, growing up to 3′ per year. The shrub’s dense, dark, glossy green foliage makes it an excellent choice for hedges and privacy screens.

How high does boxwood grow?

The common boxwood grows to a height of 15–20′ and a spread of 15–20′ at maturity.

How long does it take small boxwoods to grow?

On average, a boxwood typically grows about 6 inches or less every year. To help you understand what the growth rate for different varieties is, here’s what you should expect: Fast Growth Rate = 4 to 6 inches in a year. Medium Growth Rate = 2 to 3 inches in a year.

How do you grow a Japanese boxwood hedge?

Plant Japanese boxwood 3 feet apart in a row to create a hedge. For a more informal planting, stagger boxwood shrubs, leaving at least 3 feet between them. Fall and spring are the best times to plant new shrubs. In mild climates where winter frosts are light, you can plant at any point throughout the winter.

How do you plant Japanese boxwood in the ground?

Steps For Planting Boxwood
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball (you can use the container it comes in as a guide) and twice as wide as the root ball.Carefully remove the shrub from its container, gently loosen its roots, and place it in the hole so that you can see at least 2 inches of the root ball above ground level.