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Your boxwoods are not growing due to one or several specific environmental or care issues.
If you’ve been staring at the same stunted shrubs and wondering why your boxwoods are not growing, you’re definitely not alone.
Boxwoods are slow growers by nature, but when their growth stalls entirely or barely inches forward, something is holding them back.
Understanding the cause of why your boxwoods are not growing is the first step to getting them lush and full again.
In this post, we’ll break down the most common reasons for stunted boxwoods and what to do about them.
Common Reasons Your Boxwoods Are Not Growing
Several factors can explain why your boxwoods are not growing, and most are fixable once you know what to look for.
1. Poor Soil Conditions Keep Boxwoods Not Growing
Boxwoods prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0.
If the soil is too alkaline or too compacted, the roots can’t access nutrients efficiently.
This nutrient lockout is a major reason why your boxwoods are not growing as they should.
Testing your soil pH is simple, and amending it with sulfur or lime can make a huge difference.
2. Insufficient Sunlight Causes Boxwoods Not Growing
Boxwoods do best in partial sun to dappled shade.
When planted in deep shade, the lack of light slows photosynthesis to a crawl.
If your boxwoods are not growing in a very shady corner, that’s likely why.
They’ll survive, but you won’t see much in the way of new growth.
Trimming back overhanging branches or transplanting to a brighter spot can help.
3. Overwatering or Underwatering Keeps Boxwoods Not Growing
Improper watering is a very common reason why boxwoods are not growing.
Boxwoods hate soggy roots, but they also dislike prolonged drought.
Overwatering leads to root rot, which starves the plant of oxygen and stops growth entirely.
Underwatering stresses the plant and forces it to conserve energy rather than putting out new leaves.
Check the soil moisture a few inches deep; if it’s always wet or bone dry, adjust your watering schedule.
4. Nutrient Deficiencies Lead to Boxwoods Not Growing
Even if your soil pH is fine, a lack of essential nutrients can explain why boxwoods are not growing.
Nitrogen is the most common deficiency, since it drives leaf and stem growth.
Yellowing older leaves are a telltale sign that your boxwoods are not growing due to low nitrogen.
A balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreens can get them moving again.
5. Pest or Disease Issues Result in Boxwoods Not Growing
Boxwood leaf miners, psyllids, and blight can all cause stunted growth.
If your boxwoods are not growing and you notice spots, curling leaves, or tiny insects, pests are likely the culprit.
Treating with horticultural oil or a fungicide early in the season can prevent further damage.
How to Fix Boxwoods That Are Not Growing
Once you identify the issue, getting your boxwoods not growing back on track is very doable.
1. Start With a Soil Test
A simple soil test will tell you pH and nutrient levels.
This takes the guesswork out of why your boxwoods are not growing.
2. Adjust Watering Consistently
Water deeply once a week during dry spells, and ensure the soil drains well.
3. Fertilize in Early Spring
Use a fertilizer specifically for broadleaf evergreens to address why your boxwoods are not growing due to nutrition.
4. Prune Dead Wood and Thin Canopies
Pruning opens up the plant to light and air, which encourages new growth.
So, Why Are Your Boxwoods Not Growing?
Your boxwoods are not growing due to one or several specific environmental or care issues.
Whether it’s poor soil, wrong light, watering habits, nutrient problems, or pests, each cause has a clear solution.
Start with a soil test, check your watering routine, and look closely for signs of pests or disease.
With a few targeted adjustments, your boxwoods not growing problem can become a thing of the past.
Happy gardening, and here’s to your boxwoods thriving again soon.