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You should plant boxwoods about 2 to 4 feet apart for most varieties, but the exact spacing depends on how you want them to look and grow.
If you’re wondering how far apart should you plant boxwoods for a dense hedge, go with the closer end of that range.
For individual specimen plants that need room to show off their natural shape, space them further apart.
Getting the spacing right is one of the most important steps when you plant boxwoods in your landscape.
In this post, we’ll cover the general rule, the factors that change how far apart you should plant boxwoods, and specific tips for hedges and different varieties.
Let’s dig in.
How Far Apart Should You Plant Boxwoods? The General Rule
The general rule for boxwood spacing is based on the mature width of the plant.
If the variety grows to be 4 feet wide, you plant boxwoods about 4 feet apart for individual plants.
For a hedge, you typically reduce that distance by half to two‑thirds to create a continuous line.
So when someone asks how far apart should you plant boxwoods for a hedge, the simple answer is to space them about half their mature width apart.
Here are the key considerations that refine that rule.
1. Mature Width Drives the Spacing
The most reliable way to decide how far apart should you plant boxwoods is to check the tag for the mature width.
Dwarf boxwoods like ‘Green Gem’ or ‘Winter Gem’ stay around 2 to 3 feet wide.
Standard varieties like ‘Green Velvet’ or ‘English’ boxwoods reach 3 to 4 feet.
Large types such as ‘Green Mountain’ or ‘Fastigiata’ can grow 4 to 5 feet wide.
Plant boxwoods so that their mature edges just touch for a hedge, or leave a gap for individual plants.
2. Hedge Spacing vs. Specimen Spacing
If you want a formal hedge, you plant boxwoods closer together to encourage side branches to fill in quickly.
For a tight, full hedge, space them about 12 to 18 inches apart for dwarf varieties.
For standard boxwoods, space them 18 to 24 inches apart.
If you’re planting boxwoods as solo specimens or in a loose grouping, give them the full mature width distance so they don’t crowd each other.
That means a 4‑foot‑wide boxwood should sit 4 feet away from its neighbor.
3. Consider Future Growth
A common mistake is planting boxwoods too close because they look small in the nursery pot.
Boxwoods are slow‑growing, but they will eventually reach their mature size.
When you plant boxwoods, think three to five years ahead and give them the space they’ll need.
Overcrowding leads to poor air circulation, which invites disease.
Factors That Affect How Far Apart You Plant Boxwoods
Several variables can shift the ideal spacing for your boxwoods.
Here’s what to consider before you plant boxwoods in your yard.
1. Variety and Growth Habit
Dwarf boxwoods need less room than upright or spreading types.
‘Green Gem’ is rounded and low, so you plant boxwoods of this type closer together.
‘Green Mountain’ is narrow and tall, so it can go a bit closer in a hedge than a round variety of the same width.
Always match the spacing to the specific cultivar’s mature shape.
2. Soil Fertility and Water
Rich, well‑drained soil encourages faster growth and larger plants.
If your soil is poor or dry, boxwoods may stay smaller, so you might plant boxwoods slightly closer.
But don’t rely on that – give them standard spacing and improve the soil instead.
3. Purpose of the Planting
A low border edging calls for tighter spacing than a tall privacy screen.
For a low hedge under 2 feet, you plant boxwoods about 12 inches apart.
For a taller hedge over 3 feet, space them 18 to 24 inches apart.
If you’re planting boxwoods as foundation plants, group them with 2 to 3 feet between each.
Spacing for Popular Boxwood Varieties
Let’s get specific about how far apart should you plant boxwoods for common types.
Dwarf Boxwoods – 12 to 18 Inches Apart
‘Green Gem’, ‘Winter Gem’, and ‘Suffruticosa’ are dwarf English boxwoods.
For a hedge, plant boxwoods 12 to 18 inches apart.
For individual plants, space them 2 to 3 feet apart.
Standard Boxwoods – 18 to 24 Inches Apart (Hedge), 3 to 4 Feet (Specimen)
‘Green Velvet’, ‘Green Beauty’, and ‘English Boxwood’ are standard choices.
When you plant boxwoods of this size for a hedge, go with 18 to 24 inches.
As solo plants, give them 3 to 4 feet of breathing room.
Large Boxwoods – 24 to 36 Inches Apart (Hedge), 4 to 5 Feet (Specimen)
‘Green Mountain’, ‘Fastigiata’, and ‘Graham Blandy’ are tall and narrow or broadly upright.
For a dense hedge, you plant boxwoods about 24 to 36 inches apart.
For individual plants, space them 4 to 5 feet apart to let them reach full width.
How Far Apart Should You Plant Boxwoods for a Hedge?
Since hedges are the most common use, let’s focus on that question.
1. Tight Hedge (Formal Look)
A tight hedge looks neat and polished from day one.
Plant boxwoods closer than the general rule: for dwarf, 12 inches; for standard, 18 inches.
This forces the branches to interlace quickly, creating a solid green wall.
Prune the tops and sides regularly to maintain the shape.
2. Loose Hedge (Natural Look)
A looser hedge allows each plant to keep its rounded form while still lining up.
Space them at the full mature width or slightly less – for example, 3 feet apart for a 4‑foot‑wide boxwood.
You’ll see gaps at first, but they’ll fill in after a few years.
This is a more forgiving way to plant boxwoods if you want a relaxed appearance.
So, How Far Apart Should You Plant Boxwoods?
How far apart should you plant boxwoods depends on your goal and the variety you choose.
As a rule of thumb, plant boxwoods at half their mature width for hedges and at full mature width for individual specimens.
For dwarf varieties, that means 12 to 18 inches apart for hedges.
For standard boxwoods, 18 to 24 inches apart.
For large boxwoods, 24 to 36 inches apart.
Always check the tag, consider future growth, and give them room to breathe.
By getting the spacing right, your boxwoods will thrive and look beautiful for years to come.