Winter Gem Boxwood

Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Winter Gem'

Pronunciation: BUK-sus my-kroh-FIL-uh juh-PON-ih-kuh
SKU #01383
5-9

Good to grow! 7

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An excellent evergreen shrub for small hedges. Among the hardiest of the small-leaved boxwoods, the rich green foliage can acquire a golden bronze hue in cold winter zones, but is one of the first to become green again in spring. Makes a wonderful addition to formal gardens, providing year-round interest.
LIGHT: Full sun, Partial sun
WATER: Water when top 3 inches of soil is dry.
SIZE: Reaches 4 to 6 ft. tall and wide.

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Bloom TimeInconspicuous; prized for foliage.
Deciduous/EvergreenEvergreen
Special FeaturesEasy Care
Problems/SolutionsDeer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
Growth RateModerate
Growth HabitRounded
Landscape UseBorder, Container, Hedge, Privacy Screen, Suitable for Topiary
Design IdeasThis is the classic hedge plant. Its dense, evergreen growth makes it perfect for shearing into a small, formal hedge. Ideal for defining different spaces in the garden or for a tidy foundation cover-up. It is especially lovely against red brick. Use as a partition to divide your front yard or driveway from your neighbor's. Also beautiful as background foliage. Creates lovely topiaries, particularly in cone shapes if planted where it snows. An excellent plant for parterres and hedge mazes. Keeps its color over winter.
Flower ColorYellow
Foliage ColorGreen
Companion PlantsSpirea (Spiraea); Lilac (Syringa); Weigela (Weigela); Maiden Grass (Miscanthus); Coneflower (Echinacea); Gayfeather (Liatris)
Care InstructionsThrives in enriched, well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soils. Mulch root zone to conserve moisture and to keep roots cool. Water deeply and regularly during the first few growing seasons to establish an extensive root system; reduce frequency once established. Apply fertilizer in early spring. Prune as needed to shape.
LoreA Latin translation for Buxus is 'box'and the name may have been derived from its use to make small, finely carved boxes known in Greek as pyxos. Buxus is also Latin for flute; it is said that Roman gardener Pliny grew Buxus for making musical instruments. Dating back to 4,000 BC, Egyptians used clipped box hedges in their gardens. In Britain, three burial sites of the Roman era featured coffins lined with sprays of evergreen box. During the reign of Emperor Augustus, villas were planted with boxwood hedging and topiary, and during the reign of Henry V11, it has been written that Tudor gardens featured clipped boxwood knot gardens with thrift or cotton lavender bordering them.
Details
Bloom TimeInconspicuous; prized for foliage.
Deciduous/EvergreenEvergreen
Special FeaturesEasy Care
Problems/SolutionsDeer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
Growth RateModerate
Growth HabitRounded
Style
Landscape UseBorder, Container, Hedge, Privacy Screen, Suitable for Topiary
Design IdeasThis is the classic hedge plant. Its dense, evergreen growth makes it perfect for shearing into a small, formal hedge. Ideal for defining different spaces in the garden or for a tidy foundation cover-up. It is especially lovely against red brick. Use as a partition to divide your front yard or driveway from your neighbor's. Also beautiful as background foliage. Creates lovely topiaries, particularly in cone shapes if planted where it snows. An excellent plant for parterres and hedge mazes. Keeps its color over winter.
Flower ColorYellow
Foliage ColorGreen
Companion PlantsSpirea (Spiraea); Lilac (Syringa); Weigela (Weigela); Maiden Grass (Miscanthus); Coneflower (Echinacea); Gayfeather (Liatris)
Care
Care InstructionsThrives in enriched, well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soils. Mulch root zone to conserve moisture and to keep roots cool. Water deeply and regularly during the first few growing seasons to establish an extensive root system; reduce frequency once established. Apply fertilizer in early spring. Prune as needed to shape.
History
LoreA Latin translation for Buxus is 'box'and the name may have been derived from its use to make small, finely carved boxes known in Greek as pyxos. Buxus is also Latin for flute; it is said that Roman gardener Pliny grew Buxus for making musical instruments. Dating back to 4,000 BC, Egyptians used clipped box hedges in their gardens. In Britain, three burial sites of the Roman era featured coffins lined with sprays of evergreen box. During the reign of Emperor Augustus, villas were planted with boxwood hedging and topiary, and during the reign of Henry V11, it has been written that Tudor gardens featured clipped boxwood knot gardens with thrift or cotton lavender bordering them.

Retailers Near You

This plant may be available in these stores:

Due to the seasonal nature of plants, availability at your local garden center is not guaranteed. Give them a call before visiting.

More stores near you >

About Us

We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for nearly

100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr.
in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.

We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for nearly 100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr. in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.