Winter Gem Boxwood

Size

Winter Gem Boxwood provides a clipped evergreen look that stays handsome through all four seasons. Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Winter Gem' has small, glossy green leaves with fresh lime-green spring growth that deepens as it matures. This rounded boxwood typically reaches 3 to 4 feet tall and wide with pruning, though older untrimmed plants may grow larger over time. Our landscape designer often uses it where a planting needs clean structure before flowers, grasses, or seasonal color enter the picture. This Japanese boxwood selection is valued for cold hardiness, dense branching, and a better winter-green recovery than many older boxwoods. The foliage may bronze slightly in exposed winter sites, then returns to green early in spring. Discreet, lightly fragrant spring flowers draw early pollinators. Winter Gem Boxwood responds well to shaping, which makes it useful for low hedges, foundation borders, topiary forms, parterres, containers, and evergreen edging. It is also widely grown for deer and rabbit resistance. Winter Gem Boxwood Care Plant Winter Gem Boxwood in full to partial sun, with protection during the hottest afternoon hours in warm climates. It grows best in enriched, well-drained soil that holds medium moisture. Neutral to slightly acidic soil is preferred, though this boxwood tolerates a slightly alkaline pH when drainage is good. Water deeply during the first few growing seasons, letting the top 3 inches of soil dry before watering again. Established plants need less frequent irrigation, but winter watering during dry spells can help reduce bronzing in windy, sunny sites. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced slow-release shrub fertilizer. Keep a 1- to 2-inch mulch layer over the shallow roots to conserve moisture and limit soil temperature swings. Prune Winter Gem Boxwood in late winter to early spring for the main shaping session. A light trim in early to mid-summer can sharpen hedges or topiary forms after the spring growth flush. Remove dead or damaged branches as they appear, and avoid late-fall pruning because tender new growth can be injured by cold. Winter Gem Boxwood Spacing Space Winter Gem Boxwood 18 to 24 inches apart for a tight low hedge, or 3 to 4 feet apart for individual rounded shrubs. For containers, use a pot at least 18 inches wide with drainage holes, then step up as the root ball fills the space. Container-grown boxwoods need consistent moisture checks in summer and occasional winter watering when the potting mix is dry and unfrozen. For good companion plants, plant Winter Gem Boxwood with spirea, weigela, coneflower, and Russian sage in sunny beds with good drainage to keep the root zone healthy. Lilac shrubs and maiden grass make strong larger partners nearby, giving height and seasonal movement behind the evergreen outline. In containers, use geraniums, petunias, or calibrachoa for seasonal flowers around a clipped boxwood form.