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Buxus microphylla 'Winter Gem' (Winter Gem Boxwood)
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© Photo by David J. Stang, some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA) · Wikimedia Commons
Shrubs

Buxus microphylla 'Winter Gem'

Winter Gem Boxwood

Buxaceae
Garden selection; {Buxus microphylla} native to Japan, Korea, and Taiwan

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitClumping
FoliageEvergreen
Height24-48 inches (60-120 cm)
Width24-48 inches (60-120 cm)
Maturity10 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 9
Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantContainer Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

Buxus microphylla 'Winter Gem' is a rounded boxwood, growing 24–48 inches (60–120 cm) tall and wide. Bright green small glossy evergreen leaves 0.5–0.75 inch (12–18 mm) with good winter green-color retention — minimal bronzing compared to many B. sempervirens cultivars. Naturally rounded (mounding) form. B. microphylla parentage (Japanese/Korean boxwood) — generally more heat-tolerant than pure B. sempervirens types, suited to zones 5–9 including the warm, humid Southeast where European boxwood may struggle. Compared to other boxwood cultivars: B. microphylla 'Green Gem' (smaller globe, 18–24 inches / 45–60 cm), 'Winter Gem' (rounded, 24–48 inches / 60–120 cm), Buxus 'Wintergreen' (rounded hybrid, 24–48 inches, zone 4), and B. sempervirens 'Green Mountain' (pyramidal, 36–60 inches / 90–150 cm). Boxwood blight (Calonectria pseudonaviculata) is a threat — buy from inspected sources, avoid overhead irrigation. Boxwood leafminer is the primary insect pest. Deer-resistant. Slow-growing — 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) per year. Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (buxine alkaloids). Full sun to partial shade. Well-draining soil.

Native Range

Buxus microphylla is native to Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a hedge, border, or formal accent in zones 5–9, spaced 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) apart for hedging. The rounded form suits borders and foundation plantings. More heat-tolerant than pure B. sempervirens. Deer-resistant. Toxic.

How to Identify

Identified by bright green small glossy evergreen leaves on a naturally rounded shrub 24–48 inches (60–120 cm) with good winter color retention. Distinguished from 'Green Gem' by the larger size and from B. sempervirens 'Green Mountain' by the rounded (not pyramidal) form.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 4'
Width/Spread2' - 4'

Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow
green

Foliage Colors

bright green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Inconspicuous yellow-green flowers in spring. The rounded evergreen form is the year-round feature.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Bright green, small, glossy — the BRIGHTEST green boxwood; minimal winter bronzing

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial ShadeFull Sun
Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loam
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun to partial shade. Well-draining soil. Slow-growing (2–4 inches / 5–10 cm per year). More heat-tolerant than B. sempervirens. Monitor for boxwood blight and leafminer. Deer-resistant. Toxic (buxine alkaloids). Zones 5–9.

Pruning

Shear for formal shape in late spring or early summer after new growth hardens. The naturally rounded form requires less shearing than angular shapes. Do not cut into bare interior wood.

Pruning Schedule

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 7 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans