
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
24 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Medium
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Very long-lived evergreen shrub
Native To
Hybrid Origin
Toxicity
Mildly toxic if ingested.
The Story
Plant Bio
Boxwoods are dense, evergreen shrubs, highly valued in formal garden design for their small leaves and tolerance of heavy shearing into hedges and topiary. 'Green Gem' is a slow-growing, globe-shaped hybrid boxwood known for its excellent hardiness and its ability to retain its rich green foliage color through cold winters without bronzing.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a site with well-drained soil and protection from harsh winter winds.
- Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
- Gently loosen the roots and place the plant in the hole.
- Ensure the top of the root ball is slightly above the surrounding soil level.
- Backfill with soil, firming gently around the roots.
- Water deeply and apply a 2-inch layer of mulch over the root zone.
Pro Tip
Apply a fresh layer of mulch annually to keep the shallow roots cool and moist, but never pile it against the stems.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide good air circulation to minimize disease risk.
- Water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry.
- Prune with sharp, clean tools to avoid tearing stems.
- Protect from winter sun and wind in colder zones to prevent desiccation.
Don't
- Do not plant in heavy, wet, or poorly drained soil.
- Avoid planting too deep; this is a common cause of boxwood failure.
- Don't allow the plant to dry out completely, especially in containers.
- Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which can promote disease.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| 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
Green Gem Boxwood questions
What zones can Green Gem Boxwood grow in?
Green Gem 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 Gem Boxwood deer resistant?
Yes — Green Gem Boxwood is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Green Gem Boxwood bloom?
Green Gem Boxwood typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Green Gem Boxwood need full sun?
Green Gem Boxwood does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Buxus to compare

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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'
