shrub

Green Mound Boxwood

Buxus 'Green Mound'

The Story

Plant Bio

'Green Mound' is a popular hybrid boxwood (likely B. microphylla var. koreana x B. sempervirens) known for its hardiness and naturally rounded shape. It maintains excellent green color in winter.

This cultivar is prized for its globe-like, mounding habit that requires very little pruning to maintain its neat form. It is one of the hardiest boxwoods available, reliably hardy to Zone 4.

Uses & Benefits:

The primary appeal of 'Green Mound' is its naturally dense, globe-like shape that provides a strong architectural element in the garden with minimal effort. Its fine texture and year-round green color make it a versatile design component.

Its predictable size and shape make it ideal for formal designs, low hedges, pathway edging, and foundation plantings. Its cold hardiness extends the use of classic boxwood forms into colder climates.

The dense evergreen structure offers important winter cover for small birds and other wildlife, protecting them from predators and harsh weather.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

30 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived evergreen shrub

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

Plant in spring or fall in a well-drained location.
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
Set the plant in the hole, with the top of the root ball at soil level.
Backfill with soil, firming it gently.
Water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets.
Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

To maintain its dense form, give it a very light 'haircut' once a year after the spring flush of growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially in the first year.
Protect from harsh winter sun and wind in the coldest parts of its range.
Ensure good air circulation to minimize disease risk.
Use sharp shears for any pruning to avoid ragged cuts.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained, wet soil.
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, especially when grown in containers.
Do not bury the stem with mulch or soil.
Avoid heavy pruning, as its natural shape is its best feature.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Perfectly rounded specimen shrubLow formal hedgingAccent in perennial borders

Companion Plants

Allium SalviaPeony Daylily Nepeta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Green Mound Boxwood questions

What zones can Green Mound Boxwood grow in?

Green Mound Boxwood is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Green Mound Boxwood deer resistant?

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

When does Green Mound Boxwood bloom?

Green Mound 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 Green Mound Boxwood need full sun?

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

Is Green Mound Boxwood drought tolerant?

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