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Green Velvet Boxwood

Buxus x 'Green Velvet'

Nature Hills Nursery
  • Superior Cold Hardiness: Thrives in Zone 5 and retains color better than English varieties.
  • Naturally Rounded Form: Grows into a tidy, velvet-textured sphere with minimal pruning needed.
  • Deer Resistant Evergreen: Distinctive foliage deters hungry deer while keeping your landscape lush year-round.
  • Ideal Low Hedge: Plant 2.5 feet apart for a seamless, dense border.
$1882
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Plant Size

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: This variety thrives in full sun to partial shade, but placement is critical to prevent winter "bronzing". In colder northern zones, site your boxwood where it is sheltered from harsh drying winds and the intense afternoon winter sun.
  • Soil: Green Velvet demands excellent drainage and will struggle in soggy conditions or standing water. If you have heavy clay, amend the soil with organic compost or plant slightly above the soil line in a raised mound to ensure water drains away freely.

Watering
Because boxwoods have shallow root systems, they can dry out quickly and require consistent moisture during their first year of establishment. Once established, water deeply during dry spells to prevent stress-induced yellowing, and always maintain a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to keep the roots cool and moist.

Pruning Instructions
Green Velvet is a slow grower, adding only 2-3 inches per year, so it naturally maintains a tidy, rounded form with minimal effort. For a tighter formal hedge, shear lightly in late spring after the new growth has hardened off. Avoid heavy pruning late in the fall, as this stimulates tender growth that may be damaged by winter frost.

Fertilizer
Feed your shrubs with a balanced, slow-release evergreen fertilizer in early spring before new growth emerges. What to avoid: Do not apply high-nitrogen fertilizers after July; this encourages late-season growth that won't have time to harden off before the first freeze, leading to winter damage.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4 Week of March 30th
Zone 5 Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12 Week of March 2nd


Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50 $9.99
$50 - $99.99 $14.99
$100 - $149.99 $16.99
$150 - $198.99 $24.99
$199+ FREE

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What makes Green Velvet Boxwood special?

A cold-hardy evergreen with glossy foliage that stays vibrant green year-round, perfect for hedges and topiaries in zones 5-9.

What Growing Conditions Does It Need?

Green Velvet Boxwood thrives in USDA zones 5-9 and handles both full sun and partial shade (4-6 hours daily). It prefers well-drained soil with slightly acidic to neutral pH and grows to a compact 3-4 feet tall and wide. In zone 9's extreme heat, provide afternoon shade for best results.

How Do I Plant and Care for Green Velvet Boxwood?

Plant your boxwood in spring or fall, spacing them 2-3 feet apart for hedging. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant at the same depth it was growing in the container. Water thoroughly after planting and apply 2 inches of mulch around the base.

For ongoing care, water consistently during the first year, then deeply during dry spells once established. Fertilize in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer. Light pruning in late winter or early spring maintains its naturally rounded shape - this boxwood care guide covers trimming techniques.

What Are the Key Benefits?

Green Velvet gives you evergreen structure without the high maintenance. Its dense, compact growth creates perfect low hedges and borders without constant trimming. The glossy green foliage stays vibrant through winter when most plants look drab.

This variety won both the 1997 Styer Award and 1998 Michigan Growers' Choice Award for good reason - it's exceptionally cold hardy compared to other boxwoods. Once established, it's drought-tolerant and adapts to various soil conditions, making it ideal for formal hedge designs.

What Should I Know Before Buying?

Green Velvet Boxwood grows slowly, adding 3-4 inches per year, so buy larger plants if you need an immediate impact. Plant in spring or early fall for best establishment before temperature extremes. While deer-resistant, protect young plants in areas with heavy deer pressure.

This boxwood pairs beautifully with colorful perennials like Russian Sage or Lavender for contrast. For a classic look, combine with other versatile boxwood varieties to create knot gardens or formal borders. Container growing works well for patios - just ensure adequate drainage and winter protection in zones 5-6.

Growing Zones 5-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are boxwoods deer resistant?
  • Green Velvet Boxwood is deer resistant once established. Young plants may need protection in areas with heavy deer pressure until they mature. Install temporary fencing or use deer repellent spray during the first growing season for best results.

Are boxwoods cold hardy?
  • Green Velvet Boxwood is exceptionally cold hardy, thriving in USDA zones 5-9 and earning awards for its superior winter tolerance. This variety stays vibrant green year-round even through harsh winters. Shop cold-hardy boxwoods at naturehills.com for reliable evergreen structure.

How tall does Green Velvet Boxwood get at maturity?
  • Green Velvet Boxwood reaches 3-4 feet tall and wide at maturity. This slow-growing shrub adds only 3-4 inches per year, so consider buying larger plants if you need immediate impact for your landscape design.

How much sunlight does Green Velvet Boxwood need?
  • Green Velvet Boxwood thrives in both full sun and partial shade, needing 4-6 hours of daily sunlight. In zone 9's intense heat, provide afternoon shade for best performance. Morning sun with afternoon protection works perfectly in hotter climates.

What are the main care requirements for Green Velvet Boxwood?
  • Green Velvet Boxwood needs well-drained soil and handles both sun and partial shade in zones 5-9. Water consistently the first year, then deeply during dry spells. Fertilize with slow-release fertilizer in spring and prune lightly in late winter. Find quality plants at naturehills.com.

Does Green Velvet Boxwood require pruning?
  • Green Velvet Boxwood needs minimal pruning due to its naturally compact, rounded growth habit. Light pruning in late winter or early spring maintains its shape and dense structure. Focus on removing any dead or damaged branches rather than heavy shaping.

Is Green Velvet Boxwood toxic to pets?
  • Green Velvet Boxwood contains alkaloids that are toxic to dogs, cats, and other pets if ingested. All parts of the plant can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and more serious symptoms. Plant it away from areas where pets frequently play or consider pet-safe alternatives for heavily trafficked zones.

What soil conditions does Green Velvet Boxwood prefer?
  • Green Velvet Boxwood thrives in well-drained soil with slightly acidic to neutral pH. It adapts to various soil conditions once established, making it quite versatile. Plant in spring or fall for best establishment.
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