Buxus × ‘Green Gem’
SIZE: 2½’ tall by 2½’ wide
HARDINESS: zones 4 to 9
LIGHT: full sun to light or moderate shade
SHAPE: tight, globe
RATE: slow, averages 4” per year
FLOWERS: inconspicuous, white, fragrant, bloom in spring
FEATURES:
Deep green foliage throughout winter
Deer resistant
Requires little pruning
POSSIBLE LANDSCAPE USES:
Small spaces
Formal gardens
Small hedge
Garden partitioning
Specimen shrub in a very large container
Green background for bold flowering plants
See Tips for Designing your home landscape.
PRUNING:
Do not fertilize or prune after July; this promotes late-season growth that is vulnerable to winter damage.
Avoid continual shearing on older shrubs; this creates a dense outer layer of foliage that shades and kills inner foliage. Prune selected branches by hand to allow some light penetration.
Learn more about Basic Pruning Principles.
COMPANION PLANTS:
Bold flowering plants such as daylilies, liatris, penstemmon, black-eyed Susan, St. John’s Wort, or rhododendron
Plants with different textures such as liriope, hosta, or lady’s mantle
Avoid plants with similar texture such as Japanese holly, inkberry, taxus, or myrtle.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:
Protect from drying winds and winter sun that cause desiccation and winter damage.
Water regularly, especially during first year and in extreme heat.
Mulching is recommended.