Winter Gem Boxwood
Buxus microphylla 'Winter Gem'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
30 inches
Width
30 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
30-50 years
Native To
Japan
Toxicity
Mildly toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
A group of small-leaved, dense evergreen shrubs, boxwoods are mainstays of formal gardens, valued for their ability to be sheared into precise hedges and topiary forms. 'Winter Gem' is a particularly hardy and vigorous cultivar, prized for its ability to retain its excellent deep green color through cold winters, resisting the bronze or yellow discoloration common in other varieties.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a location with well-drained soil; amend if necessary.
- Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball.
- Gently tease apart the roots if they are pot-bound.
- Set the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
- Backfill the hole and water thoroughly to settle the soil.
- Apply a thin layer of mulch, keeping it away from the stems.
Pro Tip
Improve air circulation by thinning out the center of the plant annually to help prevent fungal diseases like boxwood blight.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Ensure excellent soil drainage to prevent root rot.
- Provide afternoon shade in hot southern climates.
- Prune with sharp, clean tools to create clean cuts.
- Water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry.
Don't
- Do not plant too deep; keep the root flare at soil level.
- Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, especially for new plants.
- Don't allow heavy snow to sit on branches and cause breakage.
- Refrain from late-season pruning, which can encourage vulnerable 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
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Winter Gem Boxwood questions
What zones can Winter Gem Boxwood grow in?
Winter 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 Winter Gem Boxwood deer resistant?
Yes — Winter Gem Boxwood is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Winter Gem Boxwood bloom?
Winter Gem 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 Winter Gem Boxwood need full sun?
Winter Gem Boxwood does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
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
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Grow Winter Gem 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.
