How to Grow Boxwood and Privet

Boxwood and Privet

Buxus spp. and Ligustrum spp.

shrub

Boxwood and Privet are versatile, evergreen to semi-evergreen shrubs prized for hedging, topiary, and formal landscaping. Both are hardy, low-maintenance plants that tolerate pruning and shaping exceptionally well, making them ideal for creating structured garden designs and living boundaries.

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Example Boxwood and Privet timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Boxwood and Privet
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Boxwood and Privet
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Boxwood and Privet dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade (6+ hours preferred); tolerates deep shade but denser growth in sun

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Water: Moderate moisture; water deeply after planting and during dry spells. Once established, both are drought-tolerant. Avoid waterlogging. Consistent moisture prevents stress and disease.

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Spacing: 12-36 depending on mature size and cultivar; closer spacing (12-18 inches) for dense hedges inches

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Days to maturity: 2-5 years to reach hedge-forming size; 5-10 years for full mature height

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; top of root ball level with soil surface

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to clay-loam soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost or aged bark mulch at planting Peat moss for acidic soils Sand or perlite if drainage is poor Balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring

Growing Zones

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Boxwood thrives in zones 5-9; Privet in zones 4-11 depending on cultivar

4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

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Growth Stages

Establishment (Year 1)

3-6 months after planting

Young shrubs focus on root development with modest top growth; new leaves emerge slowly

Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist; mulch around base; avoid heavy pruning; apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season

Vegetative Growth (Year 1-2)

6-18 months

Increased foliar growth; branches fill in and lengthen; plant establishes shape

Begin light pruning to encourage bushiness; maintain consistent moisture; fertilize in spring and early summer

Development (Year 2-3)

12-24 months

Shrub reaches desired hedge height and begins achieving mature form; dense branching develops

Prune 2-3 times per year to shape and maintain density; reduce watering frequency as roots deepen; apply slow-release fertilizer in spring

Maturity & Maintenance (Year 3+)

Ongoing

Shrub achieves full size and density; established root system; minimal seasonal changes

Prune 1-2 times annually (spring and summer) to maintain shape; water during droughts; light spring fertilizing; remove dead or diseased wood

Flowering & Fruiting (Seasonal, Privet)

Spring flowering, summer fruiting (Privet only)

Privet produces small white or greenish flowers in late spring; tiny blue-black berries follow in late summer (Boxwood rarely flowers ornamentally)

Light pruning before flowering maintains structure; berries attract birds; avoid pruning after flowering if wildlife interest desired

Companion Planting

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Plant with:

Ornamental grasses (Miscanthus, Festuca) Shade-tolerant perennials (Hosta, Helleborus) Azalea and Rhododendron Lavender and Santolina Yew and Holly for contrast Hydrangea Ferns

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (Juglans nigra) - releases juglone toxin Plants requiring high nitrogen competing for nutrients Avoid poorly draining low areas prone to standing water

Common Pests

Inspect regularly; prune infested shoots; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap in spring; encourage natural predators
Remove and destroy affected leaves; spray horticultural oil in late winter; use yellow sticky traps; consider systemic insecticide if severe
Prune affected branches; spray insecticidal soap; encourage parasitic wasps; water-spray foliage to dislodge larvae
Increase humidity with water misting; spray neem oil; insecticidal soap; reflective mulches deter
Prune heavily infested branches; apply horticultural oil in dormant season; spray insecticidal soap during growing season
Improve air circulation with pruning; remove infected branches; avoid overhead watering; apply fungicide if severe; disinfect pruners
Remove infected leaves and branches; avoid wetting foliage; improve drainage; apply copper fungicide in wet seasons

Uses

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Formal Hedging & Boundaries

Household

Boxwood and Privet are classic choices for creating formal hedges, property borders, and garden compartments. Their dense growth, tolerance of heavy pruning, and ability to be shaped into straight lines, curves, and architectural forms make them essential for formal gardens, parterre designs, and living screens. [source]

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Topiary & Living Sculpture

Craft

These shrubs' fine-textured foliage and responsive growth enable creation of elaborate topiary shapes—spheres, cones, animals, and abstract forms. Boxwood especially is favored for intricate, long-lived topiary projects that can become living garden art for decades. [source]

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Bird Habitat & Food Source

Wildlife

Dense boxwood and privet foliage provides shelter and nesting sites for songbirds. Privet's late-summer berries are a crucial autumn food source for migrating birds and wildlife. Both support insects that feed birds. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Uses

Medicinal

Boxwood has been used in traditional medicine for respiratory issues and fever; Privet (specifically Ligustrum lucidum) is valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its fruit, which supports vision and kidney function. Modern use is limited and primarily historical. [source]

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Privacy & Wind Screens

Household

Tall, dense privet and boxwood hedges effectively block wind, reduce noise, and provide privacy from neighbors. These shrubs create sustainable living barriers that are more attractive and ecologically beneficial than solid fences. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

These are ornamental shrubs, not harvested for food. Pruning and maintenance occur in spring (major reshaping) and early-to-mid summer (fine-tuning). Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches any time. For topiary, prune every 4-6 weeks during growing season to maintain form. Privet berries can be collected in fall for wildlife food or craft purposes.

Fun Facts

🌱 Boxwood grows so slowly and densely that a 4-foot boxwood hedge may be 50+ years old; some historic boxwoods in European gardens are over 300 years old.
🌱 Privet's name derives from its use as a 'privy' or private enclosure in medieval estates; it was the preferred choice for creating hidden garden rooms.
🌱 Boxwood wood is extremely hard and fine-grained, historically used for fine woodworking, musical instruments, and engraving blocks—so valuable that high-grade boxwood costs more per pound than many precious woods.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade

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