How Fast Does Green Tower Boxwood Grow Per Year?

Climate

• Boxwood shrubs are native to the Mediterranean basin, so they grow best in sunny climates with relatively short, mild winters. However, cultivars such as Green Tower boxwood handle cold weather better than other common boxwood cultivars. Areas of persistent drought and extreme heat often prove too taxing for many boxwood cultivars, although Green Tower boxwood is able to handle high heat for an extended period of time with little damage if provided with supplemental water.

Growing Site

• A suitable planting site provides Green Tower boxwood shrubs with all the necessary tools for healthy, productive growth. Although they are somewhat adaptable to soil type, they perform best if grown in moist, fine-textured soil with a pH of 6 or higher. Full sun exposure is appropriate in cooler areas, while light shade at midday is best in hot climates. Plant the shrubs along north or east-facing walls or under a tree with a high canopy to provide shelter. Green Tower boxwoods need a minimum of 2 square-feet of space, so choose a planting site with enough room to accommodate the desired number of shrubs without overcrowding.

Planting

• The planting process might help or hinder Green Tower boxwood shrubs, depending on when and how it's done. Plant them in autumn in milder, frost-free climates and in spring after the last frost in colder areas. To reduce the chances of transplant shock, avoid planting during the heat of summer. The top 12 inches of soil should be amended with a 4-inch-thick layer of compost to increase the nutrient content and drainage of the soil. Plant the shrubs so the base of the trunk is level with the surrounding soil or roughly 1 inch above it. After planting, spread a 2-inch layer of lightweight organic mulch around the base to protect the roots as they grow.

Care

• Green Tower boxwood shrubs require moderate care in most areas, both to keep them healthy and to maintain their appearance. They need weekly watering during the summer with increased watering during periods of extreme heat or drought. However, the top 3 inches of soil must be allowed to dry out between waterings to prevent chlorosis and root rot. Annual feeding with general purpose fertilizer must be done in spring before the new growth emerges. If grown as a formal or semiformal hedge, Green Tower boxwoods must be pruned regularly from late winter until mid-spring. Avoid pruning during the heat of summer, and do not remove more than 1/3 of the shrub's growth.