Hedge Spacing for American Boxwood

10 years ago

I've been trying to figure out the best option for a boxwood hedge that reaches at least 6' tall and about 3-4' wide. unless i've missed some, most other varieties are less than ideal because they can grow tall and upright but are too narrow and I would have to buy too many (e.g., fastigiata), or they are too short or would take much too long to reach even 5'.

American boxwoods seem to have the best potential for reaching the desired height, but I am having a hard time finding consistent spacing recommendations. I have seen anywhere from 2 feet up to 5 feet. I am leaning toward 3 feet since that seems the best balance, but i'm worried that planting them that close together may limit their potential height. On the other hand, at 5' apart, i'll probably be dead before they grow together. I'm okay with waiting 5-8 years before they close the gap, but not much more than that.

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Comments (3)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
10 years ago
the closer together.. the faster they become one ... and it will have NOTHING to do with their eventual height ...

now.. if you were putting a one footer.. in between two 6 footers .... i would agree with you.. that they would shade the babe.. and affect its vigor ... meaning how fast it grew up ...

but when you are starting small.. and equivalent.. just do it .. eh ... make any sense ...

now.. i spent 20 years shearing mom and dads privet.. i hate such with a passion ...

think long and hard about 6 foot ... unless you are 7 foot tall ... you are setting yourself up for shearing.. ON A LADDER.. for the distance covered ...

and trust me.. what you can do now.. in 10 years.. is going to mean paying to have it done ... and that may or may not be in the budget ...in the future ...

and no.. fert will not make them grow faster.. PROPER WATERING is the key .. as well as PROPER PLANTING.. and all that.. but you didnt ask about that...

good luck

ken
aquinod
Original Author
10 years ago
Makes sense. With that in mind, then, would you start closer than 3 foot for spacing? I know for some smaller varieties people go as close as 12" spacing. I'm starting with fairly young plants about 15" high.
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
10 years ago
well... since you asked.. i would NOT plant such a pruning nightmare.. lol ...

yes ... you can go closer on 15 inch plants ... probably 15 inches ....

but being cheap.. i would waste the money on going closer than about 2 foot ....

what you are balancing is INSTANT GRATIFICATION ... with cost ... and health in a decade or two ...

dont push them too close ...

ken