The sprinter boxwood is an evergreen shrub that grows quickly and requires minimal maintenance once established. It is an excellent option for foundation plantings, pots, or a low hedge in a formal garden because of its rapid growth rate and upright habit.
In addition to having simple, uncomplicated mannerisms, its leaves have an emerald green color and maintain their lustrous appearance throughout the year. This boxwood is salt tolerant and resistant to foraging deer.
This article will explore the growth rate of a sprinter boxwood and ways to increase its growth rate.
How Fast Do They Grow
It has been said that garden design is the slowest of all the visual arts because it might take gardens years to reach their full maturity. Thanks to plants such as the sprinter boxwood, you can reach your goal quicker. This shrub has a rapid growth rate, adding more than 24 inches to its height yearly.
Mature Size
When it reaches maturity, a sprinter boxwood typically grows to a height of 2 to 4 feet and a spread of between 2 to 4 feet.
Where Do They Grow Best?
The hardiness range for the sprinter boxwood extends from zones 5 to 9. These plants are versatile and can thrive in various soil conditions as long as there is adequate drainage. To prevent weeds from growing, save water, and maintain a comfortable temperature in the root zone, apply a layer of shredded bark as mulch.
How Much Sun Do They Need?
Boxwoods thrive in full and partial sun, but not in complete shade.
Tips to Optimize Growth Speed
Even though sprinter boxwood is a fast-growing plant, it is still feasible to accelerate its growth. Check out the care guide below to help your plant develop faster.
1. Plant Appropriately
Placing boxwood in the ideal spot is the most important thing you can do to keep your plants healthy. Conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade are optimal for boxwood growth. Plants do better in hotter regions if they get shade in the afternoon.
Boxwood is prone to damage from the dry winds that blow during the winter; thus, it should be planted in an area where it will be somewhat sheltered
2. Water Appropriately
Both overwatering and underwatering may lead to stress in plants and make them more vulnerable to certain kinds of pests. Root infections are one of the most common consequences of overwatering.
Newly planted boxwood will need to be watered consistently during its first year, at least once per week during hot and dry weather.
Plants in their second year are still establishing their root system. They will continue to need watering even if there is sufficient rainfall.
3. Provide Adequate Drainage
Boxwood plants can thrive in many soil conditions, including acidic, alkaline, rich, or poor fertility. Good drainage is needed for a healthy boxwood since these plants cannot survive having their roots in constantly saturated soil. To make the soils more permeable to water drainage, amend them with organic matter or plant atop a mound.
Steer clear of moist places, such as those near downspouts or in low-lying parts of the landscape. Boxwood is another popular choice for planting in container gardens. When choosing a container for your plant, ensure it has good drainage to prevent root illnesses.
4. Space the Plants Correctly
When planting a hedge using sprinter boxwoods, position them at a distance of two to three feet apart to give the appearance of one continuous plant.
If you are massing them less formally, this is also a nice spacing for them. If you use them alone to anchor a bed or provide background, leave other woody plants about 2.5 to 3 feet away from the trunk.
5. Use Fertilizer Appropriately
The right kind of fertilizer promotes healthy development and helps cut down on insect issues. Applications of nitrogen or a balanced fertilizer in the spring on boxwood lacking in phosphorus and potassium are usually met with positive results.
Keep in mind that boxwood has root systems that are both broad and shallow and that they may be harmed by over-fertilizing. Spread fertilizer throughout the whole root zone of the plant, ensuring that it extends beyond the plant’s crown. It is essential to prevent the leaves, trunks, and roots from directly contacting the fertilizer.
