Wintergreen Boxwood
Buxus microphylla 'Wintergreen'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
36 inches
Width
48 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Adaptable
Lifespan
Long-lived evergreen shrub
Native To
Japan, Taiwan
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Buxus microphylla, or littleleaf boxwood, is a dense, multi-branched, evergreen shrub with small, oval leaves. It is highly valued for its tolerance to shearing and its use in formal garden designs. 'Wintergreen' is a particularly hardy cultivar of littleleaf boxwood, prized for its ability to retain its rich green foliage color throughout the winter months without bronzing.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a location with well-drained soil and good air circulation.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
- Gently loosen the roots and place the plant in the hole.
- Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill with soil, firming gently to remove air pockets.
- Water thoroughly after planting and mulch to retain moisture.
Pro Tip
Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of boxwood blight, a serious fungal disease.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
- Prune after the spring flush of growth to maintain shape.
- Apply a layer of mulch to protect the shallow roots.
- Test soil pH; boxwoods prefer a slightly acidic to slightly alkaline range.
Don't
- Do not plant in poorly drained or waterlogged soils.
- Avoid piling mulch directly against the stems.
- Don't let the plant dry out completely, especially in its first year.
- Avoid late-season pruning, which can encourage tender new growth before winter.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Wintergreen Boxwood questions
What zones can Wintergreen Boxwood grow in?
Wintergreen Boxwood is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Wintergreen Boxwood deer resistant?
Yes — Wintergreen Boxwood is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Wintergreen Boxwood bloom?
Wintergreen Boxwood typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Wintergreen Boxwood need full sun?
Wintergreen Boxwood does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Wintergreen Boxwood drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Wintergreen Boxwood handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Buxus to compare
Green Velvet Boxwood
Buxus sempervirens 'Green Velvet'
Green Mountain Boxwood
Buxus sempervirens 'Green Mountain'
Boxwood Sprinter
Buxus x hybrida 'Sprinter'
Common Boxwood
Buxus sempervirens
Dwarf English Boxwood
Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa'
Winter Gem Boxwood
Buxus microphylla 'Winter Gem'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Wintergreen Boxwood with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
