Little Missy Boxwood
Buxus microphylla 'Little Missy'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
30 inches
Width
30 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Medium
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Long-lived
Native To
Japan
Toxicity
All parts are toxic if ingested.
The Story
Plant Bio
Buxus microphylla is a versatile evergreen shrub valued for its fine texture and tolerance of heavy shearing, making it a staple for formal gardens. It typically has small, bright green leaves. 'Little Missy' is a particularly compact, dwarf cultivar with a mounding habit and small, dark green leaves. It is known for maintaining its rich color through winter and is excellent for very low hedges or edgings.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Find a location with well-drained soil and full sun or light shade.
- Dig a hole that is twice the width of the container.
- Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill with soil and water thoroughly to remove air pockets.
- Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base, avoiding the stem.
- Water regularly during the first year to establish a strong root system.
Pro Tip
Shear after the spring flush of growth has hardened to maintain its dense, compact form.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
- Water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry.
- Perform a yearly light shearing to maintain its dense form.
- Check for pests like boxwood leafminer and psyllid.
Don't
- Do not plant in poorly drained or waterlogged soils.
- Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, especially when in a container.
- Don't bury the stem with mulch or soil.
- Avoid heavy pruning in late fall, which can encourage vulnerable new growth.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| 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
Little Missy Boxwood questions
What zones can Little Missy Boxwood grow in?
Little Missy 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 Little Missy Boxwood deer resistant?
Yes — Little Missy Boxwood is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Little Missy Boxwood bloom?
Little Missy Boxwood typically blooms in late spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Little Missy Boxwood need full sun?
Little Missy Boxwood does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Little Missy Boxwood drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Little Missy 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'
Wintergreen Boxwood
Buxus microphylla 'Wintergreen'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Little Missy 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.
