Winter Gem Boxwood | Buxus microphylla var. 'Winter Gem'
Sale price
$74.99
Regular price
$89.99
Save $15.00
Zone Map
Plant Factory Direct
Winter Gem Boxwood | Buxus microphylla var. 'Winter Gem'
Sale price
$74.99
Regular price
$89.99
Save $15.00
Plant Factory Direct
Winter Gem Boxwood | Buxus microphylla var. 'Winter Gem'
Description
Winter Gem Boxwood | Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Winter Gem'
The "Top Gun" of Boxwoods. Our number one most requested shrub for foundation and hedges!
Plant Highlight
• Growing Zone: 5-9 very hardy
• Plant Brand: Buxus
• Botanical Name: Buxus microphylla v. 'Winter Gem'
• Foliage Color: Lime-green to dark-green
• Flower Color: N/A
• Flower Fragrance: Non
• Fall Color: Striking Bronze foliage
• Type: Evergreen Shrub
• Mature Height: 3-4'
• Mature Width: 3-4'
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Exposure: Sun, partial shade
• Soil Needs: Moist well drained, adaptable
• Water Needs: Occasionally, once established.
• Pruning Needs: Spring shaping before spring growth begins
• Awards:
• Grown by: The Plant Factory
- Pollinator Friendly: No
- Deer Resistant: Yes
- Pet Friendly: No
- Reblooming: No
- Cold and Heat Tolerant: Yes
The Winter Gem Boxwood, scientifically known as Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Winter Gem,' is a timeless and versatile evergreen shrub that brings year-round beauty and reliability to landscapes. A favorite choice among gardeners for its adaptability, it thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
Unlike many flowering plants, Winter Gem Boxwood is not prized for its blooms, as they are small, greenish, and inconspicuous with little to no fragrance, but rather for its lush, vibrant foliage. Its glossy, oval-shaped leaves begin as a bright, fresh green in spring and deepen to a rich emerald in summer, retaining their verdant appeal through winter with only slight bronzing in colder months.
Winter Gem is highly valued for its advantages: it serves as an attractive outdoor plant that enhances both foundation plantings and formal hedges, requires minimal trimming thanks to its naturally compact and rounded growth, and is notably trouble free, drought tolerant once established, and easy to care for. Its uniform growth habit makes it particularly useful for smaller gardens, container plantings, or as a low border, while its durability ensures it stands strong in a wide variety of conditions.
- This shrub is not known as a pollinator attractant, but it is deer resistant, making it a dependable choice in areas where browsing is a concern. It is generally considered safe for pets in landscape settings with proper supervision.
Plant Winter Gem Boxwood in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, and water regularly until established, then reduce frequency as it becomes more drought tolerant. Applying a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch helps maintain soil moisture and temperature, while light, balanced fertilizer in spring encourages lush growth. Minimal pruning is needed, usually just light shearing in late spring or early summer to maintain shape. Whether used as a hedge, accent, or container specimen, Winter Gem Boxwood is a highly durable plant that combines beauty, resilience, and ease of care, making it a staple for elegant landscapes.
Care :
Winter Gem Boxwood thrives when you give it thoughtful, year-round care focused on watering, pruning, and protection from the elements. Plant your shrub in well-drained soil with organic matter worked in, set in full sun to partial shade, and space according to your landscape needs. After planting, water generously to help roots establish, giving attention to keeping the soil consistently moist—especially during the first year. Once matured, Winter Gem becomes quite drought tolerant, and established plants typically only need supplemental watering during extended dry spells. During very dry periods—including fall and winter—aim for about one inch of water per week until the ground freezes to prevent winter burn and leaf bronzing. Apply 2–3 inches of mulch throughout the growing season to help conserve moisture and insulate roots, but keep mulch away from the base stem to prevent rot.
Pruning should be done in early summer after new growth flushes, when the plant can quickly recover. Shear lightly to shape hedges and remove any dead or diseased branches. Boxwood tolerates corrective pruning very well but avoid excessive cuts that reach into old wood. Regularly sanitize pruning tools to prevent the spread of disease. As for fertilizing, wait until after the first year; in early spring, feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost if soil is lacking nutrients. Limit fertilizer applications to once a year, as boxwoods can be sensitive to over-fertilizing. Protect your shrub from harsh winter winds by planting in sheltered locations or using windbreaks like burlap wraps if needed. Heavy winter snow should be gently brushed off to avoid branch damage. With its compact habit, trouble-free nature, and tolerance for light shade, Winter Gem Boxwood rewards attentive care with lush green foliage and low-maintenance beauty.
Ordering;
Our processing time usually is 1-3 days after receiving the order. Orders taken after 4:00 pm on Wednesday through Sunday will be shipped the following Monday.
Shipping:
The Plant Factory, Inc. offers the very best shipping processes to ensure quick, safe, and near-perfect results every time. Cold and heat may deter your order temporarily until it is safe to receive and plant your plants/trees in your area. At our discretion, we will hold order till the threat is gone ensuring you with the healthiest-viable product ordered.
Summer - Above 95 degrees | Winter - Below 34 degrees
Note: We put pictures and videos on our site to best represent our products, as an example of our quality as a grower. You may, however receive a smaller or larger plant than pictured depending on the season you buy. You may or may not get a plant blooming as shown on our site. We usually trim off blooms because they do not ship well. Your purchase of our plants should be considered an investment in your future garden and enjoy the process of growing it to its full potential.