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Buxus 'Green Gem'

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
BUK-sus
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

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. 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 Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Buxus.

Profile Video:
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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#small spaces#winter interest#rabbit resistant#mass planting#deer resistant#glossy leaves#foundation planting#border planting#English garden#walkway planting#small group plantings#compact habit#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#patio#hedge
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#small spaces#winter interest#rabbit resistant#mass planting#deer resistant#glossy leaves#foundation planting#border planting#English garden#walkway planting#small group plantings#compact habit#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#patio#hedge
  • 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.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Perennial
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • 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:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Insignificant, not often visible
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Cream/Tan
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Non-showy clusters at leaf axils appear in April.
  • 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 green opposite elliptical to ovate leaves with smooth margins, holds its color in winter
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Cross Section:
    Square
    Stem Description:
    New stems green, mature to brown, square shape.
  • Landscape:
    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
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Rabbits
    Problems:
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Dogs and cats: vomiting, diarrhea; Horses: colic, diarrhea, respiratory failure, seizures
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Alkaloids
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No