How Much Does a Boxwood Shrub Cost?

Last Updated on July 22, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

With their classic formal hedge appeal and versatility, boxwood shrubs remain a staple in many residential and commercial landscapes. Their cost depends on the type, size, age, and source of the shrubs.

While boxwoods carry an upfront cost for purchase and installation, keeping them trimmed and healthy should remain manageable over time. Exploring costs allows planning a tailored and affordable landscape vision using these iconic shrubs.

How Much Does Boxwood Shrub Cost?

The cost for a Boxwood Shrub spans on average between $50 to $500 per plant, having maintenance costs from $100 to $500 per year range.

To illustrate the actual price spectrum, here are some average per plant costs broken down by common boxwood species and sizes:

American Boxwood

• 1 Gallon – $20 to $40
• 3 Gallon – $30 to $60
• 5 Gallon – $50 to $100
• 10+ Gallon – $100 to $250

English Boxwood

• 1 Gallon – $30 to $60
• 3 Gallon – $60 to $120
• 5 Gallon – $100 to $200
• 10+ Gallon – $250 to $500

Larger boxwood shrubs and hedges 6 feet tall may range from $400-$600 to over $1000. High-end mature specimens can cost $5000+ in rare cases. Remember location and individual nursery or retailer influence exact per plant prices along with the other cost factors covered.

According to The Tree Center, prices for different varieties of boxwood shrubs range from $44.50 to $159.50. For example, the Green Mountain Boxwood is priced between $44.50 and $109.50, while the Green Velvet Boxwood is available for $44.50 to $159.50 depending on the size and specific variety.

At Brighter Blooms, the Wintergreen Boxwood starts at $30.99, while the Green Velvet Boxwood begins at $91.99. Other varieties, such as the Baby Gem™ Boxwood, are also available starting at $48.99.

Walmart offers the American Boxwood Shrub at a price of $121.09 for a set of two, showcasing a more affordable option for consumers looking to purchase in bulk.

Fast Growing Trees lists prices starting from $24.95 for the Wintergreen Boxwood Shrub and $29.95 for the Titan Boxwood Shrub. The Green Velvet Boxwood is priced at $55.95, reflecting the variety and quality of the plants available.

Lastly, the Arbor Day Foundation offers Common Boxwood and Winter Gem Boxwood starting at $8.99 to $24.99, making it one of the more economical options for those looking to plant boxwoods.

An Overview of Boxwood Shrubs

Boxwood refers to a broad group of evergreen shrubs in the Buxus genus, featuring small rounded leaves and compact growth. They are prized in gardening for:

• Formal hedge appeal
• Tolerating frequent pruning and shaping
• Providing year-round color and structure

Popular boxwood varieties include English, American, Korean, and Japanese, which range from dwarf cultivars under 3 feet to large hedges over 10 feet tall. Boxwoods thrive with some afternoon shade and well-drained soil. Their slow, steady growth reaches full size in about 10 years.

Factors Influencing Boxwood Shrub Pricing

Several important variables affect the price, value, and overall cost considerations when planning to incorporate boxwood plants in your landscape:

Type and Cultivar of Boxwood

There are over 70 species and hundreds of cultivated varieties of boxwood, and naturally some are more desired, costly, and suited to particular applications than others. Prices fluctuate based on popularity, growth rate, availability, and overall demand.

• English Boxwood– This classic favorite for pruned hedges averages $50-$150 for a 5-gallon nursery plant depending on size, age, and source.
• American Boxwood– A lower maintenance and lower cost native variety, generally priced from $20-$60 on average per plant.
• Japanese Boxwood– Highly sought after for their slower, compact growth and intricate forms but also more expensive, often $100-$250+.
• Korean Boxwood– Becoming increasingly popular for its hardiness and deer-resistance but still commanding premium pricing around $100-$200 on average.

You might also like our articles about the cost of lemon trees, pine trees, or oak trees.

Size of the Shrub

Unsurprisingly, purchasing larger boxwood plants and shrubs that provide instant landscaping impact comes at a notable premium versus smaller starter liners or juvenile transplants.

• 1-2 Gallon Plants– Typically around $20-$60. Ideal for tighter hedge spacing or miniature accenting.
• 3-5 Gallon Established Shrubs– Range from $50-$200 for nice form.
• 6-15 Gallon Specimen Plants– Often priced from $150-$500+ Deliver dramatic effect but with higher cost.

Age and Overall Maturity

Mature boxwood specimens with well-established form and fullness logically demand significantly higher prices than newly propagated and planted starter liners.

• 1–2-Year-Old Liners or Cuttings– $20-$40 for smaller, juvenile plants.
• 3-5 Year Established Shrubs– $75-$200 for nicely filled-in, shaped plants.
• 10+ Year Mature Specimens– $300-$1000+ for prized mature boxwood centerpieces.

Quality, Health, and Condition

The overall vigor, health, form, and cosmetic condition of the boxwood shrub significantly impacts costs, beyond just size and age.

• Plants that are damaged, poorly pruned, neglected, rootbound, or suffering disease or infestations will be at the lowest price range.
• Whereas meticulously pruned, specimen-grade boxwoods in peak health and condition will command top dollar and pricing.

Nursery, Garden Center, or Supplier

Where you purchase your boxwood stock does influence pricing based on factors like overhead, inventory volume, and profit margins.

• Wholesale Growers– Offer the best bulk pricing directly to landscapers or retailers, but typically require large minimum orders.
• Big Box Stores– Can undercut smaller nurseries and garden centers, especially on smaller potted shrubs.
• Local Nurseries and Garden Centers– Offer fresher, healthier plants and helpful expertise worth paying a little extra for.

Delivery, Shipping, and Logistical Costs

Sourcing boxwoods further away incurs transportation costs that may be passed on. Reputable sellers package plants with care.

Where to Purchase Boxwoods

Finding reputable sellers ensures quality:

Local Nurseries

Inspect plants in person and get staff expertise. Avoid root-bound or neglected boxwoods.

National Online Nurseries

Order plants conveniently online but cannot assess health beforehand. Shipping fees apply.

Big Box Stores

Affordable option for 1–3-gallon boxwoods but with limited selection and guidance.

Direct Wholesale Growers

Ideal for landscapers buying bulk boxwoods at lowest prices. Minimums orders often apply.

Calling sellers helps determine current availability and pricing.

Additional Costs to Keep in Mind

Beyond just purchasing the individual boxwood plants, additional ongoing and one-time expenses should be planned for:

Delivery and Shipping Costs

For any online, phone, or mail order purchase, delivery or shipping fees typically range $50 – $300+ based on the number of plants, distance, size, and logistics. Reputable sellers will carefully package plants to avoid damage.

Professional Installation and Planting

Opting to hire landscapers for getting boxwoods professionally planted and arranged typically runs $200 – $1000+ depending on the quantity, spacing, bed preparation, hardscaping, drainage considerations, and other site-specific factors.

Larger jobs are more efficient cost-wise when planting crews can make a day of it. Trying to DIY plant just a few shrubs here and there gets complicated fast for beginners.

Routine Ongoing Maintenance Costs

While minimal once established, preserving boxwood health and aesthetics does entail some annual and periodic costs:

• Pruning/Shaping Services– Hiring pros costs $300-$1000+ annually depending on size and detail. DIY basic shaping can save significantly once learned.
• Pest/Disease Treatments– Expect potential expenses from $100-$500+ over time to counter pests, fungus, and infections. Be proactive about prevention before issues arise.
• Soil Health and Fertilization– Proper nutrition via compost, organic feeds, and amendments averages around $50-$200 per year in materials. Test soil pH regularly.

Save Money on Boxwoods

Smart planning and shopping around helps keep boxwood costs affordable within the confines of any gardening budget. Some tips:

• Time purchases for seasonal sales, specials, or end-of-season clearances when availability is highest. Spring and fall are ideal planting times.
• Buy starter boxwoods in bulk quantities – spreads out fixed delivery fees over more plants acquired.
• Select less finicky, low-maintenance American boxwood varieties, if possible, rather than pricier English or Japanese types.
• Take advantage of member rewards programs and new customer promotions from reputable nurseries or retailers.
• Learn basic DIY planting, pruning, feeding, and pest management techniques via tutorials or landscaper guidance.
• Only utilize larger 7–15-gallon boxwood specimens selectively where the fullest impact is crucial – use smaller sizes for general filling and borders.
• Be patient – allow young plants time to establish and grow at their steady pace. Enjoy shaping them over years.

Final Words

While purchasing established 5–15-gallon boxwood shrubs from local nurseries or reputable online sources the cost depends on variety, size, age, and condition, buying young liners or cuttings in bulk, meticulously planting them yourself, and timing sales or clearances wisely can all help reduce acquisition costs significantly.

Be sure to thoroughly factor in long term expenses not just for delivery and installation, but also the annual costs of proper pruning, disease and pest control, soil nutrition, and other maintenance.

With prudent planning, good budgeting, and smart landscaping design, incorporating beautiful boxwood hedges, borders, walkways, and specimen plants can indeed become an affordable proposition that delivers enduring elegance and timeless charm to your exterior spaces.

As with any valuable landscape investment, focusing on quality over quantity ensures your boxwoods remain an integral part of your garden and property for generations of enjoyment to come.

Answers to Common Questions

Are boxwoods fast growers?

No, boxwoods are infamously slow growing. In ideal conditions, they may grow up to 12 inches per year when young, but only 3-6 inches annually as they mature. Reaching their maximum size can take over 10 years.

The slow growth makes maintenance like pruning easier, but requires patience initially for new plantings to establish and fill in. Their glacial pace is a benefit and a drawback.

Are boxwoods high maintenance?

Boxwoods do require regular pruning and occasional pest/disease control, but are generally lower maintenance than many flowering shrubs. Once established, they need only minimal fertilization and irrigation along with Pruning every few months keeps growth orderly and attractive without becoming too time consuming if done correctly.

Getting on a schedule makes managing boxwoods relatively simple for such a refined look.

How long does it take boxwoods to fully establish?

It typically takes 1-2 years for the roots of newly planted boxwood liners or smaller transplants to fully establish in the soil before vigorous growth occurs. 3–5-gallon potted boxwoods establish within the first year.

Ensuring adequate water, nutrition, and mulching during establishment accelerates root development. Avoid transplanting boxwoods until their root system has had time to anchor and acclimate to the site, at which point healthy new growth will become noticeable as they settled in.