Additional Information about Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Winter Gem'

‘Winter Gem’ is a round-shaped cultivar that is relatively vigorous. It tolerates a wide range of sites and uses. New foliage emerges a lime-green color and transitions to a deep, glossy green. It has a tendency to bronze when exposed to direct winter sun but the bronzing will quickly disappear in spring as temperatures rise and as new growth emerges. ‘Winter Gem’ is very similar to the cultivars ‘Wintergreen’ or ‘Faulkner’.   Deer resistant.

Growing & Maintenance Tips for Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Winter Gem'

'Winter Gem’ should be pruned each year in late winter to early spring to maintain desired shape. Use hand pruners or shears. Additional lighter prunings may be necessary in early to mid-summer, depending on the desired look and vigor of the plant. ‘Winter Gem’ tolerates more radical pruning if the plant has outgrown its desired size. Thinning is not necessary on this cultivar.

‘Winter Gem’ is very resistant to boxwood leafminer and very tolerant to boxwood blight. It has few other pest or disease issues when planted and cared for properly.  

Interesting Notes about Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Winter Gem'

Comments: Great plant to fill space quickly. It is very similar to ‘Wintergreen’. It has very vigorous growth habit that can get rather wiry but it can be controlled with a good pair of hedge shears.

Uses: Medium specimen, medium hedge, low hedge, foundation plant

Substitutes: ‘Wintergreen’, ‘Green Beauty’, ‘Jim Stauffer’