Highlander Boxwood


Highlander Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Highlander')
Highlander Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Highlander') is one of the fastest-growing upright boxwoods available, bred specifically for height and vigor. It forms a tall, columnar silhouette with dense evergreen foliage that holds its color well throughout the year. This cultivar is an ideal solution for vertical accents, tall hedging, and formal garden designs where quick results are desired without sacrificing structure.
Distinctive Features
'Highlander' can reach heights of 9 to 12 feet in maturity, with a narrow spread of 2 to 3 feet. It offers a tight, upright habit with lustrous dark green leaves that resist winter bronzing better than many boxwoods. Its fast growth rate�up to 24 inches per year under optimal conditions�sets it apart in landscapes requiring immediate impact or taller forms for privacy.
Growing Conditions
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; partial shade preferred in warmer zones to prevent leaf scorch.
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soils are best; amend clay or compacted soils to promote healthy root development.
- Water: Moderate; establish with regular watering, then reduce as root system matures.
- Humidity: Tolerates a range of humidity levels with good airflow; avoid overly wet environments.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5�8; hardy and reliable in a range of northern and central U.S. climates.
Ideal Uses
- Focal Point Plantings: Tall, narrow form naturally draws the eye in formal garden compositions.
- Tall Hedges and Screens: Provides quick vertical coverage for privacy or windbreaks in narrow spaces.
- Foundation Plantings: Great for framing entryways or corners of large homes with height and definition.
- Container Plantings: Suitable for large pots or planters where architectural form is desired.
- Formal Borders: Complements traditional garden layouts requiring vertical symmetry and evergreen structure.
Low Maintenance Care
Highlander Boxwood offers vigorous growth with minimal upkeep once established. Occasional trimming helps maintain form, and basic care ensures long-term health and color retention.
- Watering: Deep watering recommended during dry periods, particularly in early years.
- Pruning: Shape lightly in late spring or summer; responds well to topiary or formal trimming.
- Fertilizing: Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support vigorous growth.
- Pest & Disease Resistance: Good general resistance when sited in well-drained soils and open areas.
- Winter Care: Foliage stays green year-round with minimal bronzing; mulch base to protect roots.
Why Choose Highlander Boxwood?
Highlander Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Highlander') delivers the vertical form and fast growth rate that many formal landscapes require. Its dense foliage, narrow habit, and resilience make it one of the best options for hedging and architectural accents.
- Fastest-Growing Upright Boxwood: Adds height rapidly, with strong vertical impact.
- Narrow, Columnar Habit: Ideal for tight spaces or formal garden structures.
- Evergreen All Year: Rich green foliage resists bronzing through winter.
- Low Maintenance: Maintains form easily with minimal intervention.
- Excellent Screening Plant: Provides privacy and structure without bulk.
For rapid growth, year-round color, and architectural elegance, Highlander Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Highlander') offers a tall, narrow solution tailored to formal and residential landscapes.

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