Buxus 'Green Gem'
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- BUK-sus
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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The Green Gem Boxwood is noted for its dwarf, dense, globular shape and winter hardiness. Its compact size of 2-3 ft. makes it a great choice for tight spaces, along narrow pathways, or a low hedge in front of low windows. Noted for its resistance to winter burn, its elliptic to oval, glossy dark green leaves hold their color well in winter.
It grows best in well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. It is noted for requiring little pruning but is tolerant of pruning and trimming. Limit cultivation around the shallow roots, it can damage the plant. Annual pruning will assist with air circulation.
Location and maintenance of this plant can have an effect on its health. Protect from winds and full winter sun by placing in a location where these conditions are limited. Winter winds can cause dehydration and bronzing. Remove any accumulated snow to protect the branches.
Resistant to rabbits and deer.
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 of concern.
VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Buxus
- Family:
- Buxaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Developed in Canada at Sheridan Nurseries
- Dimensions:
- Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Rounded
- Growth Rate:
- Slow
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- 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 To Plant:
- 6-feet-12 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5b, 5a, 6b, 6a, 7a, 7b, 8b, 8a, 9b, 9a
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- Insignificant, not often visible
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Cream/Tan
- Gold/Yellow
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Insignificant
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Non-showy clusters at leaf axils that bees find attractive for the short period of flower.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- Shiny leaf, holds its color in winter
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Cross Section:
- Square
- Stem Description:
- New stems green, mature to brown, square shape.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Lawn
- Meadow
- Naturalized Area
- Patio
- Walkways
- Landscape Theme:
- English Garden
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Foundation Planting
- Hedge
- Mass Planting
- Screen/Privacy
- Specimen
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Rabbits
- Problems:
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
