How Close Together To Plant Boxwoods

How close together to plant boxwoods depends on your goal for the hedge or individual shrubs.
 
If you want a dense, seamless hedge, you’ll need to plant boxwoods closer together than if you’re aiming for separate rounded specimens.
 
The exact spacing also depends on the mature size of your boxwood variety, your climate, and how quickly you want the fill-in to happen.
 
In this post, we’ll break down how close together to plant boxwoods for hedges, for specimen plants, and the key factors that influence that spacing.
 
Let’s dig into the details so you get it right the first time.
 

How Close Together to Plant Boxwoods for a Hedge

When planting a hedge, the question of how close together to plant boxwoods is all about creating a continuous wall of green.
 
The general rule is to space them based on the mature width of the variety you’re using.
 
Here are the most common scenarios:
 

1. For Small-Leaf or Dwarf Boxwoods

Small-leaf boxwoods like ‘Green Velvet’ or ‘Winter Gem’ typically grow 2–3 feet wide at maturity.
 
How close together to plant boxwoods of this size?
 
Aim for 18 to 24 inches apart from center to center.
 
This close spacing ensures the branches will interlock within a year or two, creating a tight, full hedge.
 

2. For Medium-Sized Boxwoods

Medium varieties such as ‘Green Mountain’ or ‘Suffruticosa’ reach about 3–4 feet wide.
 
For these, how close together to plant boxwoods is best answered with 24 to 30 inches apart.
 
This gives them enough room to mature without crowding while still forming a solid wall.
 

3. For Large or English Boxwoods

Large types like ‘American Boxwood’ or ‘English Boxwood’ can spread 5–6 feet or more.
 
How close together to plant boxwoods of this stature?
 
Space them 3 to 4 feet apart.
 
Any closer and they’ll compete for water and light, leading to stress and bare lower branches.
 

How Close Together to Plant Boxwoods for Individual Specimens

If you’re not building a hedge but placing boxwoods as standalone features, the spacing changes.
 
For specimen plants, you want each shrub to keep its natural rounded shape without touching its neighbor.
 
Here’s how close together to plant boxwoods in that case:
 

1. Give Them Room to Breathe

A good rule is to space them at least two-thirds of their mature width apart.
 
For example, if a boxwood will be 4 feet wide, plant it 2.5 to 3 feet away from the next boxwood.
 
This prevents the branches from rubbing and keeps air flowing, which reduces disease risk.
 

2. Consider Your Design Vision

If you want a more formal, clipped look, you can cheat the spacing a bit closer—say, 60% of mature width.
 
But if you prefer a natural, loose appearance, stick with the two-thirds rule or even wider.
 
How close together to plant boxwoods for design really comes down to how tightly you prune them.
 

Factors That Affect How Close Together to Plant Boxwoods

Even with general guidelines, a few real-world factors can shift the ideal distance.
 

1. Mature Size of the Variety

Always check the tag on your boxwood for the expected height and width.
 
How close together to plant boxwoods of a specific variety depends on that final spread.
 
If the tag says 3 feet wide, don’t plant them 12 inches apart unless you want a very tight formal hedge that will require frequent pruning.
 

2. Sunlight and Airflow

Boxwoods planted in full sun grow denser and faster than those in shade.
 
In a shady spot, you might need to reduce spacing slightly to get a full look, because growth is slower.
 
But don’t go too close; poor airflow in shade can lead to fungal issues like boxwood blight.
 
How close together to plant boxwoods in shade?
 
Keep them at the wider end of the range recommended for their size.
 

3. Soil Quality and Drainage

In rich, well-draining soil, boxwoods grow more vigorously.
 
In heavy clay or poor sandy soil, growth is slower.
 
If your soil is less than ideal, you might plant boxwoods a bit closer together to compensate for slower fill-in.
 
But never closer than 18 inches for any variety, as roots need space to expand.
 

So, How Close Together to Plant Boxwoods?

How close together to plant boxwoods is answered by your landscaping goal.
 
For a dense hedge, plant small types 18–24 inches apart, medium types 24–30 inches apart, and large types 3–4 feet apart.
 
For individual specimens, allow two-thirds of the mature width between shrubs.
 
Adjust for sunlight, soil, and the specific variety you choose.
 
Always measure from the center of the planting hole to the next hole—this gives you the most accurate spacing.
 
With the right distance, your boxwoods will thrive, whether they form a crisp hedge or a collection of tidy green globes.
 
Happy planting, and enjoy the structure they bring to your garden.