How to make Buxus grow faster

It can take quite a while for buxus to grow into the flourishing hedge of our dreams. Buxus is a naturally slow-growing plant with about 10 to 15 cm of growth a year. Some species even take an entire year to grow just 1.27cm. There are ways, however, to help speed the growing process for a thicker, more luxuriant hedge.

Positioning

Choose a bright position with free-draining soil to help buxus establish and grow faster

The best position for faster buxus growth is a bright, open spot with free-draining soil and enough airflow around the plant. Buxus performs best when roots are not sitting in soggy ground, and strong establishment usually starts with correct planting depth, decent drainage, and the right amount of light. Spring Colours’ original article already highlights the importance of not planting too deeply and avoiding cramped spacing, while RHS guidance on box also stresses suitable siting and good growing conditions as the base for healthy growth.

Good positioning matters because slow or stressed establishment often looks like “poor growth,” when the real issue is site mismatch. If buxus is shaded too heavily, crowded by walls or fences, or planted into wet soil, it will usually focus on survival instead of steady new growth. Getting the site right early is one of the easiest ways to encourage stronger performance over time.

Plant buxus in a bright position with some airflow.
Use free-draining soil to reduce stress and root problems.
Avoid planting too deeply, as this can slow establishment.
Give each plant enough space so it is not competing for light and air.

Give buxus enough spacing from fences, walls, and neighbouring plants

Proper spacing helps buxus grow faster because it improves airflow, reduces disease pressure, and gives roots room to establish properly. The original Spring Colours article already points out that buxus grows faster when it has enough space around it, and RHS guidance on box blight prevention also recommends wider spacing to reduce disease spread and improve conditions around the plant.

This matters in real gardens because buxus is often used in formal hedging, border edging, and narrow planting strips where people are tempted to plant too tightly. While close planting can look fuller at first, it can also reduce airflow, trap humidity, and slow healthy development in the long run. Leaving enough room allows each plant to thicken properly instead of competing too hard from day one. That usually leads to better hedge density and stronger long-term growth.

Space plants so air can move freely around foliage.
Avoid crowding buxus against walls, fences, or dense neighbouring shrubs.
Wider spacing can help reduce humidity-related disease issues.
Correct spacing supports more even and reliable hedge development.

Watering

Water newly planted buxus deeply and consistently during establishment

Newly planted buxus grows faster when it is watered deeply and consistently through the establishment phase. Spring Colours already recommends watering every few days or about twice a week in the first year, and RHS guidance for comparable evergreen shrubs also supports regular watering while roots are still spreading into the surrounding soil.

This is important because freshly planted buxus does not yet have a strong root system. If the root zone dries too often, growth slows quickly because the plant shifts energy toward coping with stress instead of producing new shoots. Deep watering is better than frequent shallow splashing because it encourages roots to move further into the soil profile. The goal is not constant wetness, but even moisture while the plant settles in. Once established, watering needs usually reduce, but the first year is the most important period for building momentum.

Water deeply, not just lightly on the surface.
Keep moisture consistent during the first year.
Deep watering helps roots grow further into the soil.
Strong early root development usually supports faster top growth later.

Avoid overwatering, because wet roots can slow growth and increase disease risk

Overwatering can make buxus grow more slowly because waterlogged soil reduces oxygen around the roots and increases the risk of root problems. Spring Colours already warns that too much water can slow growth by causing root rot or washing nutrients away, and RHS guidance on hedges explains that saturated soil can effectively drown roots in poorly drained conditions. Clemson also notes that boxwoods are more vulnerable to decline and disease under stressful conditions such as improper drainage.

This is why good watering is about balance, not excess. Buxus likes steady moisture while establishing, but it does not want permanently wet soil. If the soil stays soggy for too long, root performance drops, growth weakens, and disease pressure increases. For many gardens, slow watering and then allowing the soil to partially dry before the next irrigation cycle is a better strategy than frequent shallow watering.

Avoid keeping the soil constantly saturated.
Poor drainage can increase the risk of root decline and disease.
Overwatering can slow growth instead of speeding it up.
Aim for deep watering followed by a sensible drying period.

Feeding

Feed buxus in the growing season only when the plant actually needs support

Buxus grows best when feeding is timed sensibly and based on need, not applied heavily at random. Spring Colours recommends a general-purpose fertiliser in spring when soil is less than ideal, and RHS advice on hedge aftercare also notes that a general-purpose granular fertiliser can help where soil is light, sandy, or showing signs of nutrient deficiency.

This matters because fertiliser does not automatically mean faster growth. If buxus is already stressed by poor drainage, drought, or root damage, feeding will not fix the underlying issue. The best approach is to treat fertiliser as support, not as a shortcut. A measured spring feed can help healthy plants push steady new growth, especially when combined with mulch and good watering. But if the site conditions are wrong, feeding alone usually will not improve performance in a lasting way.

Feed in the active growing period, not constantly.
Use fertiliser to support growth where soil is light or nutrient-poor.
Do not treat fertiliser as a substitute for good planting and watering.
Moderate feeding usually works better than overfeeding.

Feed carefully, because too much fertiliser can damage roots and weaken growth

Too much fertiliser can harm buxus roots and actually reduce the growth you are trying to encourage. Spring Colours already notes that fertilisers can burn roots when not used correctly or consistently, and extension guidance on evergreens also warns against fertilising drought-stressed plants because fertiliser can damage already stressed root systems.

This is especially important for slower-growing evergreen plants, where people sometimes try to push growth too aggressively. A heavily fed buxus will not necessarily become denser or healthier. In some cases, the plant produces weaker growth or becomes more stressed if the roots are already dry, compacted, or waterlogged. Feeding should always follow basic plant health, not come before it. Water the plant properly first, improve the soil if needed, and use a measured feed only when the plant is in a condition to benefit from it.

Overfeeding can burn roots and slow recovery.
Never fertilise a drought-stressed plant heavily.
Healthier roots respond better to light, well-timed feeding.
Feeding works best after watering and basic care are already right.

Pruning

Prune buxus to improve light, airflow, and stronger even growth

Pruning helps buxus grow better when it is done to improve shape, airflow, and light penetration rather than simply cutting for the sake of cutting. Spring Colours already explains that correct pruning supports air circulation and more even light distribution, and Clemson’s boxwood guidance also notes that thinning is an important maintenance practice because dense outer foliage can leave the centre with too few leaves.

This matters because buxus often develops a tight outer shell of growth. If that shell becomes too dense, the inside of the plant can weaken, and the hedge or shrub may gradually lose vigour. Selective pruning and thinning allow more light into the centre, help the plant maintain foliage more evenly, and reduce stagnant humid conditions that encourage disease. Good pruning is not about constant cutting. It is about creating the conditions for healthy regrowth and a stronger overall structure.

Prune to improve airflow and internal light.
Avoid letting the outside become too dense and shell-like.
Healthier internal structure usually supports better long-term growth.
Pruning should support plant health, not just appearance.

Avoid over-pruning, because too much cutting can remove the growth you want to keep

Over-pruning slows buxus growth because it removes fresh energy-producing foliage and can stress a naturally slow-growing shrub. Spring Colours already warns not to prune more than one-third of the plant and not to prune too often, while Clemson recommends thinning rather than excessive clipping of the outer shell. RHS also advises pruning hedges in a way that reduces disease risk and improves light and airflow.

This is where many gardeners go wrong. Because buxus is often used in formal shapes, it is easy to assume that more trimming means denser, faster growth. In reality, cutting too frequently can interrupt development and leave the plant constantly trying to recover. The aim should be controlled maintenance, not relentless shaping. A well-timed prune usually helps more than repeated light cuts all year.

Do not remove too much foliage at once.
Frequent trimming can slow natural regrowth.
Focus on well-timed maintenance, not constant clipping.
Keep pruning aligned with plant health as well as shape.

Protecting

Keep buxus healthy by reducing disease pressure before problems become severe

Protecting buxus from disease is one of the most important steps in maintaining steady growth. Spring Colours already points out that disease hampers growth and names root rot, rust-type issues, and Phytophthora among common problems. Clemson also notes that boxwoods are vulnerable to fungal diseases and pests under stressful growing conditions, while RHS highlights that humid, crowded conditions can worsen box blight risk.

This means plant protection is not only about reacting once leaves are damaged. It starts with prevention. Good spacing, dry-condition pruning, improved airflow, and avoiding overhead watering all help make the environment less favourable for disease. Checking plants regularly also matters, because problems are easier to manage when caught early. Healthier buxus usually grows faster simply because it is not diverting energy into stress response and recovery.

Disease prevention starts with airflow, spacing, and drainage.
Stress increases the risk of fungal and root-related issues.
Avoid overhead watering where disease pressure is high.
Check plants regularly so problems are caught early.

Protect new growth by monitoring pests and keeping maintenance tools clean

Buxus grows better when pests are managed early and maintenance hygiene is taken seriously. Spring Colours mentions nematodes, psyllids, and leafminers as common pest problems, and Clemson confirms that boxwoods can be affected by insect pests as well as disease. RHS also advises cleaning tools between areas or gardens to reduce the spread of box blight.

This is important because even a healthy feeding and watering program can be undermined if pests repeatedly damage new growth or if disease is spread during pruning. New shoots are especially valuable when you are trying to build density and speed up hedge fill. Protecting them means regular inspection, removing affected material promptly, and making sure shears and tools do not transfer problems across the garden. Cleaner maintenance usually means more reliable growth.

Watch for pests that target new leaves and roots.
Remove damaged growth promptly when problems appear.
Clean pruning tools to reduce disease spread.
Protecting fresh growth helps build a thicker, healthier buxus faster.

Spring Colours is a plant nursery located in Sydney’s Dural neighbourhood. With over 30 years of experience in garden landscaping and delivering high-quality plants to plant lovers at great prices, we are committed to making the world a greener place and adding new life to your home and garden.

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