Boxwood is a tree, a long-term addition to the landscape. Notably, it shrugs off deer. Its spring flowers are a modest draw for honeybees.
Zones
Data not available
pH Range
6.5-8.5
Sun
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Days to Maturity
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Score Boxwood on your exact land.
Zone averages can't see the slope, soil, frost, and sun that decide whether boxwood actually takes — and those shift from one yard to the next. Enter your address and we'll score boxwood against your land's real conditions.
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What Boxwood is
Boxwood grows as a perennial and reaches around 15 feet at maturity. It blooms in spring. It's also deer-resistant.
How to grow Boxwood
Boxwood prefers soil from pH 6.5 to 8.5. It needs about 200 hours of winter chill, which is why climate matters as much as soil.
USDA Zones
Data not available
USDA PHZM 2023
Soil pH
6.5 - 8.5
USDA PLANTS Database
Sun
Data pending
plant_species_v5.csv
Drainage
Data pending
plant_species_v5.csv
Mature Height
15 ft
plant_species_v5.csv
Chill Hours
200+
plant_species_v5.csv
Frost-Free Days
0+
plant_species_v5.csv
Plant it right
Set boxwood in full sun with well-drained soil. Many fruit trees need a second variety nearby to pollinate — check before you plant just one.
Match the soil
Boxwood prefers pH 6.5 to 8.5 (USDA PLANTS Database). A quick soil test from your local Extension lab tells you whether to add lime or sulfur to land in band.
Water steadily
Keep the root zone evenly moist through establishment. Match watering to the plant's drainage preference and your local rainfall.
Be patient, then harvest
Prune annually while the tree establishes; fruit trees reward patience with years of harvest. Local Extension guides publish per-cultivar bearing-age tables.
Good to know
One caution for pet owners — boxwood is toxic to dogs and cats and horses (moderate severity). Keep it out of reach, and call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 in an emergency. (Source: ASPCA.)
Boxwood offers low value to bees and other pollinators. (Source: Xerces Society, Pollinator Partnership.)
Where Boxwood thrives
Whether boxwood thrives on a given site comes down to its soil pH, drainage, sun, and frost dates — the conditions that vary parcel to parcel.
See if Boxwood will thrive on your land
Zone averages are a start. Your exact soil pH, drainage, sun exposure, and frost dates shape whether boxwood actually takes — we score it against the real conditions at your address.
Three things about your exact spot that zone averages miss:
We read public map data for this spot — soil, climate, flood, and parcel records. How we handle your address.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow Boxwood in my zone?
Zone data for boxwood is being finalized. A Growable Ground report checks your parcel's full suitability against federal soil, climate, and zone data.
When should you plant Boxwood?
Set boxwood out in early spring or fall while it's dormant, so the roots establish before the heat of summer. Your local last-frost date — which a Growable Ground report pulls for your exact address — sets the precise window.
What soil does Boxwood need?
Boxwood prefers soil pH 6.5 to 8.5 (USDA PLANTS Database). Your report scores your parcel's actual soil against that using USDA SSURGO data.
Does Boxwood attract pollinators?
Yes — boxwood's flowers are a modest nectar source for honeybees (Xerces Society, Pollinator Partnership).
Is Boxwood safe for pets?
Boxwood is toxic to pets (dogs,cats,horses) with moderate severity. Keep it out of reach, and call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 in an emergency.