How big does a box wood grow in a year?

I am making a big perennial garden next year, 15 feet by 9 feet, and I am following directions from a booklet. It the book, box woods are planted around the garden serving as a short hedge. On the cover, the box woods are al about a foot tall, and about a foot wide. In the directions, when they are planted they are only 4 inches tall, and 4 inches wide. How long would it take for it grow a foot wide and a foot tal? Any tips? I live in ontario zone 5. ps. What are some really good perennials that bloom for a long time?

How big does a box wood grow in a year?
Depending on the Boxwood (Buxus) cultivar, there are a variety of growth rates. Shorter shrubs will grow more slowly than larger forms. I'd consider 'Green Gem' or 'Green Velvet' for the boxwood hedge. I am from USDA hardiness zone 5, both of those forms were hybridized for Niagara Falls, and are quite hardy here. Get the smallest sized plants you can, most probably in a "1-gallon" pot, but they could be taller than 4", don't worry. Boxwood is the most easily sheared plant, ever. You'll have no problems controlling the size.



As for perennials, try to mix and match to have something in bloom at all times. Don't worry about finding ones that bloom all season (they'll disappoint you). The amount of sun the area gets will be an important criteria.



I hope that this helps

Good luck
Reply:Boxwoods are considered one of the "hardwoods" and hence grow very slowly. Depending on the length of your growing season - it could easily take 3-10 years for a 4" boxwood to make it to 12" high and wide. Sorry, I'm not familiar enough with your climate zone to recommend any blooming perennials.
Reply:Boxwoods are very slow growing. Maybe an inch or two a year - depending on their climate and conditions. If you have a very short growing season up there, I'd bet on the lower end of the growth rate.



So - 5-8 years I would guess. But I also think it may be hard to find boxwoods that small! Why not get ones that are about 8 inches tall? That'd cut half the time of your wait!!