Species

Buxus microphyllaLittleleaf Boxwood

9 other cultivars

shrub

Baby Gem Boxwood

Buxus microphylla 'Gregem'

$45.00

The Story

Plant Bio

Boxwoods are dense, evergreen shrubs highly valued for their small leaves and tolerance of heavy shearing, making them mainstays of formal gardens. They provide year-round structure and are available in a vast range of sizes and shapes.

Baby Gem ('Gregem') is a compact, mounding evergreen boxwood with dense green foliage that retains its color through winter. It reaches about 4 feet tall and 4–5 feet wide, and suits low hedges, borders and formal accents. Grow in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil.

Uses & Benefits:

Baby Gem provides the classic, formal look of boxwood in a compact, manageable package. Its fine texture and bright green color create elegant, neat spheres or low hedges that define garden spaces, edge pathways, and serve as year-round structural elements in mixed beds and containers.

Its slow growth and dense habit mean it requires less frequent shearing than many other boxwood varieties to maintain its shape. It is highly resistant to deer and rabbits, making it a reliable choice for gardens with wildlife pressure.

While not a major ecological contributor, its dense structure provides shelter for small birds and beneficial insects. The small, fragrant spring flowers attract early-season pollinators like bees.

SpeciesBuxus microphyllaLittleleaf Boxwood

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48"

Width

60"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Very long-lived shrub

Native To

Japan

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Early spring – Mid-spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Sooner Plant Farm

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$45.00

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with well-drained soil; amend if necessary.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.
Gently tease apart circling roots at the bottom of the root ball.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring it's at the same depth as in the pot.
Backfill with soil and water deeply to eliminate air pockets.
Mulch around the base, but do not let it touch the stems.

Pro Tip

Apply a thick layer of mulch over the shallow root system to conserve moisture and keep roots cool, but keep it away from the trunk.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure excellent soil drainage to prevent root rot.
Prune after the first flush of spring growth has hardened off.
Provide good air circulation to reduce disease risk.
Water deeply but infrequently once established.

Don't

Don't plant too deep; the root flare should be at soil level.
Avoid planting in sites exposed to harsh winter winds.
Don't let mulch pile up against the stems.
Avoid late-season pruning, which can encourage tender new growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Classic low formal hedgeNeat foundation plantingElegant container specimen

Companion Plants

Hydrangea paniculata Rosa Nepeta faassenii Hosta Astilbe

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Baby Gem Boxwood questions

What zones can Baby Gem Boxwood grow in?

Baby Gem 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 Baby Gem Boxwood deer resistant?

Yes — Baby Gem Boxwood is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Baby Gem Boxwood bloom?

Baby Gem 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 Baby Gem Boxwood need full sun?

Baby Gem Boxwood does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Baby Gem Boxwood drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Baby Gem Boxwood handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.