The green gem boxwood is a woody, broadleaf, evergreen shrub in the Buxaceae (boxwood) family. It is a hybrid cultivar of Buxus microphylla ‘Koreana’ crossed with Buxus sempervirens that was developed in Canada at Sheridan Nurseries in the 1960's. It is noted for its dwarf, dense, globular shape and winter hardiness. It grows best in well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. It is noted for requiring little pruning and its small leaves allow it to take shearing well though never prune before the last spring frost date or tender new growth can suffer damage. Location and maintenance of this plant can have an effect on its health. It prefers natural to slightly acidic or basic soil. Its glossy, dark-green leaves hold their color well in winter; however, winter winds can cause dehydration and bronzing. Protect it by placing it in a location where these conditions are limited. Remove any accumulated snow to protect the branches. Limit cultivation around the shallow roots as it can damage the plant. Propagate by stem cuttings. Its compact size of 2 to 3 feet high and wide makes the green gem boxwood a great choice for tight spaces, along narrow pathways, a low hedge, or beside a patio. The dark glossy leaves provide good winter interest and the plant is rabbit and deer resistant. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Moderately resistant to boxwood blight. Poorly drained soils may cause root rot. Susceptible to boxwood leaf miner, boxwood psyllid, and boxwood mites. In the deep south, nematodes are a concern. The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common boxwood insect pests and diseases. For suitable alternatives, see this video created by Charlotte Glen as part of the Plants, Pests, and Pathogens series. VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Buxus .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Fills a similar nicheBuxus 'Green Mountain'Buxus sempervirens 'Arborescens'Buxus sempervirens 'Vardar Valley'
Similar, less problematicDistyliumViburnum obovatum 'Raulston Hardy'
Full plant profile
Growing Conditions
Plant type
Perennial; Shrub
Life cycle
Perennial; Woody
USDA zones
5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Light
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day) | Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Alkaline (>8.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
6-feet-12 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in. | Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Slow
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
3 - Shrub (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Dense; Rounded
Texture
Medium
Foliage
Broadleaf Evergreen
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Opposite
Leaf shape
Elliptical; Ovate
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf feel
Glossy
Leaf size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Shiny green opposite elliptical to ovate leaves with smooth margins, holds its color in winter
Flower color
Cream/Tan; Gold/Yellow; Green
Flower form
Insignificant
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
Non-showy clusters at leaf axils appear in April.
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit color
Brown/Copper
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
Insignificant, not often visible
Stem color
Brown/Copper; Green
Stem detail
New stems green, mature to brown, square shape.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
Developed in Canada at Sheridan Nurseries
Food & Medicine
Fruit type
Capsule
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Lawn; Meadow; Naturalized Area; Patio; Walkways
Landscape theme
English Garden; Winter Garden
Design feature
Foundation Planting; Hedge; Mass Planting; Screen/Privacy; Small groups; Specimen
Garden tags
#evergreen #rabbit resistant #foundation planting #winter interest #deer resistant #border planting #problem for cats #problem for dogs #problem for horses #English garden #mass planting #glossy leaves #small spaces #hedge #patio #compact #small groups #walkway
Problems & Resistance
Insect problems
Boxwood Mite; Pests of Boxwood; Boxwood Psyllid; Boxwood Pest Management Calendar; Oystershell Scale Insect on Ornamental Plants
Problems
Problem for Cats; Problem for Dogs; Problem for Horses