We don’t exactly expect boxwoods to win any races, but we do like to see them put on at least a few inches of new growth every year. If your boxwood seems stuck in time and isn’t getting any taller, there’s usually a good reason for it. But where do you start looking for the problem, and more importantly, how do you fix it?
What’s Stunting Your Boxwood?
If your boxwood isn’t growing as expected, it usually boils down to one of these three culprits:
- Planting it too deep
- Pruning mistakes
- Pests and diseases
Planting Too Deep
Boxwoods are shallow-rooted plants that like to spread their roots out near the surface. Because of this, you should never plant a young boxwood deeper than it was sitting in its original nursery pot. If it’s buried too deep, the root system struggles to develop properly. Since healthy top growth depends on a strong root system, the whole plant basically hits the “pause” button.
Pro Tip:
Younger plants can also stop growing due to drought stress. Make sure to water them regularly while they’re getting established and add a layer of mulch around the base to keep that moisture in.
Pruning Mistakes
We all know boxwoods are famous for handling a heavy trim, but you have to be careful with young plants. To keep their growth on track during those first few years, follow these rules:
- Wait until the first flush of new growth in spring before pruning.
- Always leave a few inches of the new growth behind.
- Avoid cutting back into the old, woody stems.
- Stop pruning by September so the plant can harden off before winter.
Pests and Diseases
A sick or weakened plant just doesn’t have the energy to grow. Unfortunately, keeping a boxwood perfectly healthy these days can be a bit of a challenge because so many pests and diseases love them as much as we do. Keep a close eye on your shrubs for any weird spots or symptoms so you can jump into action early. Usually, the first step is pruning back any infected branches. Depending on what’s bugging your plant, you might also need to look into spraying treatments. Afterward, give it some fertilizer to help it bounce back faster.
Creating the Perfect Environment
If you want your boxwood to reach its full potential, you’ve got to give it the right home. Here’s what they love:
- A spot with full sun to partial shade.
- A location that isn’t too hot but has good airflow (just avoid super windy corners!).
- Fresh, organic, and well-draining soil.
- Alkaline soil with a pH level between 7 and 8.
