Whether you are designing a formal parterre garden or a simple low hedge to line your walkway, boxwoods (Buxus) are the gold standard for structural landscaping. However, the most common mistake home gardeners make is improper spacing. Space them too far apart, and you'll wait years for a solid hedge; too close, and you risk root competition and fungal disease.
How to Use the Boxwood Spacing Calculator
This tool is designed to help you estimate the number of boxwood shrubs required for your project. Here is how to determine your inputs:
- Linear Hedge: Use this if you are planting a single line of boxwoods. The formula accounts for a plant at the very start and the very end of the line.
- Area Coverage: Use this for "cloud pruning" or filling a geometric bed. It uses a grid-based calculation.
- Spacing: This is measured from the center of one plant to the center of the next.
Recommended Spacing by Variety
Not all boxwoods grow at the same rate or reach the same mature width. Choosing the right spacing depends heavily on the specific cultivar you've selected:
1. Dwarf Boxwoods (e.g., English Boxwood 'Suffruticosa')
These are the classics for low knots and borders. They grow very slowly.
- For a tight hedge: Space 10 to 12 inches apart.
- For individual specimens: Space 24+ inches apart.
2. Intermediate Varieties (e.g., 'Green Mountain', 'Green Velvet')
These varieties are versatile and often used for medium-height hedges (2-3 feet).
- For a tight hedge: Space 15 to 18 inches apart.
- For a loose, natural look: Space 24 to 30 inches apart.
3. Large Varieties (e.g., American Boxwood, 'Dee Runk')
Used for privacy screens or tall backdrops.
- For a tight hedge: Space 24 to 36 inches apart.
- For screens: Space 4 feet apart.
The "Instant" vs. "Patient" Approach
When using our boxwood spacing calculator, consider your timeline. If you have a larger budget and want an "instant" hedge, you can decrease the spacing by 20%. However, be aware that overcrowding can lead to poor air circulation, which invites Boxwood Blight and Leafminer infestations.
The "Patient" approach involves spacing plants according to their mature width. While the garden may look a bit sparse for the first two seasons, the plants will eventually knit together into a healthier, more sustainable structure.
Pro Tips for Planting
Once you have calculated your plant count, follow these steps for success:
- The Trench Method: For hedges, dig a long trench rather than individual holes. This ensures all plants are at the same depth and perfectly aligned.
- Root Flare: Never bury the boxwood deeper than it was in its nursery pot. The root flare should be slightly above the soil line.
- Mulching: Apply 2 inches of organic mulch, but keep it away from the main stem to prevent rot.