• Upright form
• Evergreen hedge
• Slow growing

• Category: Trees & Shrubs
• Hardiness Zone: 6a
• Height: 4-6 ft
• Spread: 2-3 ft
• Spacing: 2-3 ft

Richards Boxwood is a dense evergreen shrub valued for its naturally upright habit, fine texture, and formal appearance. Unlike many rounded boxwoods, ‘Richards’ grows in a more vertical, columnar form, making it especially useful where height is desired without excessive width. Mature plants typically reach 4–6 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide, though they can be maintained smaller with occasional pruning. Its small glossy green leaves hold color well through winter, giving year-round structure to the landscape. Hardy in USDA Zones 6–9, it performs well in much of Texas, particularly in Central and East Texas where soils are somewhat improved and irrigation is available during extended drought.

Richards Boxwood performs best in well-drained soils and prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions, though it can tolerate moderately alkaline soils better than some traditional English boxwoods. Good drainage is essential, especially in heavier clay soils common in parts of Texas. It grows well in full sun to part shade, though afternoon shade is beneficial in hotter parts of Central Texas to reduce stress during extreme summer heat. Once established it is moderately drought tolerant, but regular watering during prolonged dry periods helps maintain dense foliage and healthy growth.
Its narrow upright habit makes Richards Boxwood especially valuable for foundation plantings, formal hedges, entryway accents, framing walkways, or creating vertical structure in tight spaces. It responds very well to pruning and shaping, making it popular in traditional and formal garden designs. Plants are commonly spaced 2–3 feet apart for hedging or screening applications. Deer tend to avoid boxwoods due to their aromatic foliage, giving this cultivar moderate deer resistance in most landscapes.

Like other boxwoods, Richards Boxwood contains alkaloids that are considered toxic if ingested by people or pets. While serious problems are uncommon, it is best planted where browsing animals and children are less likely to consume the foliage. Proper air circulation and avoiding excessive irrigation on the foliage help reduce disease issues in humid conditions.