Upright Boxwood Plants – Growing Fastigiata Boxwood Bushes

The narrow, conical shape of Buxus sempervirens ‘Fastigiata’ adds more than vertical appeal to the landscape. This variety of boxwood can be planted close together to form a hedge, used as a solitary specimen plant, or shaped into a topiary or bonsai.

Whether you're contemplating a curb appeal makeover or privatizing the backyard, Fastigiata boxwood shrubs are a low maintenance option.

What are Fastigiata Boxwood Shrubs?

Like many of its boxwood brethren, Fastigiata is a slow growing evergreen bush. With proper care, Fastigiata boxwood shrubs can live up to 40 years or more. They are hardy in USDA zones 6 to 8 and adapt well to container living.

In comparison to other varieties, the growth pattern of these upright boxwood plants is more reminiscent of a tree. Yet, the multi-stemmed branches retain bush-like foliage clear to the ground. Untrimmed, these shrubs take on a pyramid shape with an expected maturity size of 10 to 12 feet (3-4 m.) high and 3 to 5 feet (1-2 m.) wide.

Like other English boxwood varieties, Fastigiata has attractive, glossy, oval leaves. New foliage emerges bright green with the leaves turning the characteristic darker blue-green hues as they age. In northern climates, foliage may be bronze due to harsh weather and exposure to wind and winter sun. New foliage is the most susceptible to cold weather damage.

Fastigiata Boxwood Care

Growing Fastigiata boxwood is easy. These upright boxwood plants prefer sunny to partly sunny locations. A sheltered, somewhat shady site provides better protection for winter foliage. They adapt well to either slightly acidic or slightly alkaline soils but have a strict soil moisture tolerance. 

Fastigiata boxwood shrubs thrive in moist, well-drained conditions. Avoid low-lying flood zones or areas with poor drainage as these do not support this boxwood. Care should also be taken to ensure this variety doesn't dry out. Supplemental water may be necessary during periods of low rainfall.

Fastigiata responds well to pruning, making these boxwood plants suitable for growing under power lines and around entryways. Successfully growing Fastigiata boxwood in urban and inner-city settings is also possible, as they have a high pollution tolerance. Rural homeowners will appreciate this shrub's deer and rabbit resistance.