shrub

Gordo Boxwood

Buxus 'Conrowe'

The Story

Plant Bio

Boxwoods are dense, evergreen shrubs, highly valued for their small leaves and tolerance of heavy shearing. They are classic choices for creating formal hedges, borders, and topiary.

Gordo (Buxus x 'Conrowe') is a hybrid boxwood noted for its vigorous growth and naturally rounded, compact habit. It has slightly larger, dark green leaves and maintains good color through winter.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides essential year-round structure and a classic, formal aesthetic to the landscape. Its dense, fine-textured foliage is perfect for creating crisp lines, defined spaces, and intricate topiary shapes.

Functions as an excellent 'living wall' for garden rooms, defining borders, and creating parterres. Its dense nature makes it a good low screen and helps to absorb sound in urban settings.

The dense evergreen branches provide important shelter and cover for small birds during winter and inclement weather. Its small spring flowers offer an early nectar source for bees.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

42 inches

Width

42 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Very long-lived

Native To

Hybrid

Toxicity

All parts are toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Early spring – Mid-spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with well-drained soil; avoid areas with standing water.
Amend soil with compost to improve its structure and fertility.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Set the plant so its root flare is slightly above soil level.
Backfill the hole, gently firming the soil around the roots.
Water deeply and apply a layer of mulch around the base.

Pro Tip

To promote air circulation and reduce disease risk, thin out the plant annually by reaching inside and clipping a few branches.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure excellent soil drainage.
Mulch to keep the shallow roots cool and moist.
Prune with sharp, clean tools to create clean cuts.
Provide some afternoon shade in hot southern climates to prevent scorch.

Don't

Don't plant in heavy, wet clay soil.
Avoid piling mulch against the stem, which can cause rot.
Don't allow the soil to dry out completely, especially for new plants.
Avoid late-season pruning, which can encourage new growth that gets damaged by frost.

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 formal low hedge or borderEvergreen foundation planting for year-round structureStately container specimen for patios and entryways

Companion Plants

Hydrangea macrophylla Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans'Paeonia lactiflora Hemerocallis hybrids Nepeta x faassenii

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Gordo Boxwood questions

What zones can Gordo Boxwood grow in?

Gordo 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 Gordo Boxwood deer resistant?

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

When does Gordo Boxwood bloom?

Gordo 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 Gordo Boxwood need full sun?

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