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Green velvet boxwoods (Buxus ‘Green Velvet’) are one of the most popular types of shrubs. They are known for their deep green color and ability to expand quickly. But how long do green velvet boxwoods take to grow?
Green velvet boxwoods can grow up to 1 ft (12 inches) per year, making them a popular choice for someone looking for quick results. On average, it takes them about 3-5 years to reach their full height of 3-3.5ft (36-42 inches). However, this can vary depending on the location and growing conditions.
Green velvet boxwoods are a fast-growing, low-maintenance shrub that can provide year-round interest in the landscape. In this article, we will look into how long it really takes for a green velvet boxwood to reach its full size and what factors speed up the growth.
When Do Green Velvet Boxwoods Reach Maturity?
Green velvet boxwoods are a hybrid species – a cross between the hardy Korean boxwood and the velvety green English boxwood (source). The result is a hardy, compact plant with deep green, velvety foliage. So these plants have the best qualities of both parent plants, making them ideal for landscaping.
Most importantly, they grow quite moderately (at about 2-3″ or 5.08 – 7.62 cm/year), so they will not outpace your other plants and take over your garden.
They will be about 2-2.5″ (5-6.3 cm) in size in around 15 years, while at 25 years, they’re going to be 2.75-3.5″ (~7-8 cm) in height and width, respectively.
On average, green velvet boxwoods take about two to three years to fully mature. However, this can vary somewhat depending on the growing conditions. If you live in an area with longer growing seasons, your boxwoods may mature faster than if they were in an area with shorter growing seasons.
But regardless of where you live, you can expect your green velvet boxwoods to take at least a couple of years to reach full maturity. Fortunately, they are effortless to care for, making them an excellent choice for beginner gardeners.
What Factors Affect the Growth of Green Velvet Boxwoods
Green velvet boxwoods are a type of evergreen shrub that can provide structure and year-round interest in the landscape. They grow in cold hardy places and mild warm spots in Hardiness zones 4 through 9 in the U.S (source).
Several factors can affect the growth rate of Green Velvet boxwoods, including:
- The amount of sunlight they receive
- The type of soil they are planted in
- Whether they are watered regularly
In general, green velvet boxwoods will grow slowly in shady areas and more quickly in full sun. They also prefer well-drained soils and need to be watered regularly during dry periods.
Let us look at the factors affecting the growth rate of these lush green shrubs in detail:
Green Velvet Boxwoods Prefer Well-Drained, Sandy Soil
Green velvet boxwoods are a type of shrub known for its ability to adapt to a wide range of soils. However, they prefer well-drained, sandy soils, specifically sandy loam to clay loam varieties.
Green velvet boxwoods are also intolerant to wet soil conditions. They are known to thrive in soils with a pH level of 5.5-7.5, i.e., from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils.
This shrub typically reaches a height of 3-5 feet (90-150 cm) and a width of 4-6 feet (120-180 cm). It produces dark green leaves that are velvety to the touch. The green velvet boxwood is an evergreen, meaning it will retain its leaves year-round.
When planting, be sure to space them at least 2 feet (0.61m) apart so they have room to grow.
They Need Full Sun to Partial Shade To Attain Full Maturity
As mentioned, green velvet boxwoods are relatively easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of weather conditions. However, for best results, they should be planted in an area that receives full sun to partial shade.
Full sun means an area receives more than six hours of direct sunlight daily, while partial shade refers to two to six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Green velvet boxwoods will do best if planted in an area that receives at least four hours of direct sunlight every day (source).
They Require Weekly Watering, Especially During Summers
Green velvet boxwoods are a fast-growing variety of boxwood that can reach up to 3 feet (91 cm) tall in just a few years. However, they require regular watering to stay healthy and green during the hot summer months.
Water deeply twice a week when newly planted and then once a week during the growing season. Moreover, you can mulch at about 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) to help them stay moist in this harsh temperature.
Boxwoods are drought-tolerant once established so you can cut back on watering during the cooler months. You will notice some bronzing on these shrubs, but they will soon turn back to a luscious green velvety appearance once the winter is over.
They Should Be Fertilized Once a Year in Springtime
One of the most important things you can do for your green velvet boxwoods is to fertilize them once a year during springtime.
Fertilizing in early spring with a balanced, slow-release, diluted all-purpose fertilizer high in phosphorus content is the best way to ensure your green velvet boxwoods stay healthy and continue to grow (source).
This type of fertilizer will provide the nutrients the plants need to thrive. If you wait too long to fertilize, the plants may not get the necessary nutrients, which can lead to problems.
Green Velvet Boxwoods Require Minimum Pruning
Boxwoods, especially the green velvet species, are one of the most popular choices for bonsai, and it’s easy to see why. They require minor pruning because they grow at a medium rate of almost 12 inches (30 cm) yearly (source).
Thus, they can be pruned and trimmed to your desired shape.
Although pruning is not required, it may help to stimulate growth.
Prune in early spring before new growth begins, and remove any dead or damaged branches. You can also trim back long branches to keep your boxwood in shape. With a bit of patience and attention, you will have a beautiful green velvet boxwood of your very own.
Watch this 7-min guide on how to plant your green velvet boxwood shrubs perfectly:
Conclusion
Green velvet boxwoods, a crossbreed between Korean and American Boxwoods, are a popular type of shrub that can take up to 3-5 years to reach full maturity.
They are moderate-growing plants, typically stretching up to 3-4 inches (7.6-10 cm) in height and spreading to 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) at maturity.
They are known for their deep green foliage and ability to tolerate various environmental conditions.
While they may take some time to reach full size, green velvet boxwoods make a beautiful addition to any landscape. With proper care, they will continue to grow and thrive for many years.
You can purchase Green Velvet Boxwoods online and have them delivered right to your front door (link to Nature Hills Nursery).
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