Plants that Work®

Little Missy Boxwood

Name: Little Missy Boxwood
Brand: Plants That Work
SKU: 22800
Price: 76.92 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)

Buxus microphylla 'Little Missy'

Exceptional Resistance: Highly resistant to Boxwood Blight and Boxwood Leafminer.
Compact Stature: Naturally reaches a mature size of only 2-3 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide.
Extreme Hardiness: Proven to thrive in USDA Zones 5-9.
Low Maintenance: Requires little to no pruning to maintain its tight, rounded habit.

$76⁹²

Shipping calculated at checkout.

In Stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Plant Size

#2 Container #3 Container

Product variants

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Attracts pollinators, Cold hardy, Compact/Dwarf, Container Friendly, Deer-resistant, Disease resistant, Evergreen, Full Sun, Hedge/Screen, Low Maintenance, Non-invasive, Rabbit Resistant, Shade Tolerant
Hardiness Zone	6a to 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	2-3 Feet
Width	2-3 Feet
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Slow
Growth Habit	Bushy
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	White
Foliage Color	Green
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets, Toxic to horses
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Boxwood
Botanical Name	Buxus microphylla 'Little Missy'
Species	microphylla
Cultivar	Little Missy
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Looking for a "set it and forget it" evergreen that actually stays small? Meet the Little Missy Boxwood (Buxus microphylla 'Antoinette'). While many Boxwoods eventually outgrow their welcome or require constant shearing, Little Missy is the pint-sized overachiever that keeps its neat, rounded shape with almost zero effort from you. It is widely considered one of the most pest-resistant and hardy selections on the market today.

Year-Round Visual Interest and Texture

The first thing you’ll notice about Little Missy is its exceptionally dense, fine-textured foliage. The leaves are a lustrous, deep green that holds its color remarkably well through the winter, avoiding the "bronzing" or yellowing that plagues lesser cultivars. In early spring, look closely to find tiny, inconspicuous flowers that, while not showy to the eye, offer a sweet fragrance and a nectar source for early pollinators. Because of its tight internodes (the space between leaves), it creates a solid wall of green that looks polished 365 days a year.

Versatile Landscape Uses

Because this cultivar naturally matures into a compact mound, it is the premier choice for low-growing hedges and formal knots. It acts as a stunning "living frame" for rose gardens or perennial beds without competing for nutrients or space. If you have a smaller urban garden or a patio, Little Missy is a dream in decorative containers. Use it to flank a doorway for a touch of classic elegance or line a walkway to define your garden’s "bones."

The Gold Standard for Disease Resistance

One of the most important reasons to choose the Buxus microphylla 'Antoinette' is its high resistance to Boxwood Blight, a concern for many traditional gardeners. It has consistently ranked at the top of horticultural trials for its ability to stay healthy and vibrant even when other varieties struggle. It’s a tough, resilient shrub that brings a high-end, manicured look to your landscape without the high-maintenance headache.

Other Boxwood varieties

Green Gem Boxwood
Buxus x 'Green Gem'

(20)

Regular price From $22¹⁹
NewGen® Independence Boxwood
Buxus 'SB108'

(3)

Regular price From $46⁷²
Cranberry Creek Boxwood
Buxus x 'Cranberry Creek'

(32)

Regular price From $118⁸⁸
Green Velvet Boxwood
Buxus x 'Green Velvet'

(14)

Regular price From $21⁹⁹
Green Mountain Boxwood
Buxus x 'Green Mountain'

(26)

Regular price From $21⁹⁹
NewGen Liberty Belle® Boxwood
Buxus sinica var. insularis ‘RLH-BI’ PP 24,443

New arrival

(1)

Regular price From $93⁹¹
Winter Gem Boxwood
Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Winter Gem'

(3)

Regular price From $24⁸⁹
Kingsville Dwarf Boxwood
Buxus microphylla 'Kingsville'

New arrival

Regular price $74⁹⁹

Plants similar to Little Missy Boxwood

Mr. Bowling Ball® Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'MR. BOWLING BALL'

(20)

Regular price $77⁰⁹
Strongbox Inkberry Holly
Ilex glabra 'ILEXFARROWTRACEY'

(1)

Regular price From $87⁴¹
Tater Tot™ Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'SMNTOBAB' USPP30,761, Can PBRAF

(15)

Regular price From $73²⁶
Hetz Midget Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Hetz Midget'

(9)

Regular price $93²⁴
Forever Emerald™ Inkberry
Ilex glabra 'Alexander'

Regular price $84²⁵
Glow Pop Japanese Holly
Ilex crenata 'NCIC1'

Regular price $27⁵⁹
Soft Touch Japanese Holly
Ilex crenata 'Soft Touch'

(2)

Regular price $29⁶⁷
Densiformis Yew
Taxus x media 'Densiformis'

(7)

Regular price From $74⁴⁶

This product has no reviews of its own. The merchant grouped it with related products, so the reviews shown are from across that group.

Very nice plant. I have

Very nice plant. I have been enjoying them for awhile. It makes a nice show in my front flower bed.They came nice packed. Very well protected.Thank you,very much!

Dear Anne,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! We're delighted to hear that your new plant is thriving and has become a lovely focal point in your front flower bed. We also appreciate your kind words about our packaging — protecting your plants during their journey is very important to us.

If you ever have any questions about care or want suggestions for adding companion plants that complement your display, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you every step of the way!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Very nice plant. I have

Very nice plant. I have been enjoying them for awhile. It makes a nice show in my front flower bed.They came nice packed. Very well protected.Thank you,very much!

Dear Anne G.,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that your plant has been thriving and making such a lovely show in your front flower bed. It’s always our goal to ensure our plants arrive well-packed and protected, so it’s especially great to know yours arrived in perfect condition.

If you ever need tips to keep your garden flourishing or want to explore new varieties to complement your current collection, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support your gardening journey every step of the way.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

sprinter boxwood

Sprinter boxwoods arrived on schedule, healthy & intact. After an epic fail with Home Depot Green Mountain boxwood cuttings, I went on a search for mature Sprinters. I'm glad I found them, I was impressed with the size of the shrub in the #3 container. They stand upright approximately 18" tall, bushy with healthy full leaves. I got them mid June and they must have put on quite a bit of growth in May, I can still see the lighter green new growth. I wasn't expecting them to come in the Proven Winners containers either... nice! I'm confident they will do nicely this winter, I'm in zone 7.

Hi Susan,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Sprinter boxwoods! We’re delighted to hear that the shrubs arrived healthy, intact, and just as robust as you hoped. It’s fantastic that the #3 containers offered generously sized plants and that you appreciate the Proven Winners packaging; we also love how it helps deliver superior quality and strong growth right to your door.

It’s completely understandable that transitioning from home store cuttings to mature plants can be challenging, and we’re glad you found success here. Since you mentioned you’re in zone 7, winter hardiness shouldn’t be an issue with Sprinters, but as a tip, a layer of mulch can help protect the roots duringخب холодной погоды coming colder months.

If you ever want guidance on enhancing seasonal care or adding companion plants, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re excited to continue helping you watch your garden thrive!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

sprinter boxwood

Hello Susan,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Sprinter boxwoods! We’re thrilled to hear they arrived healthy, full, and exactly as you hoped. It’s great when carefully tended mature shrubs like these make a fantastic impression, especially after the challenges you faced with other cuttings. The Proven Winners containers are indeed a bonus—they really help ensure the plants have the right environment to thrive right from the start.

You’re spot on—those new light green growth tips are a good indicator that your boxwoods are happy and settling in well. Being in Zone 7 certainly gives them a strong chance to flourish over the winter, but if you need any tips on mulching or winter protection for your Sprinters as it gets colder, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to help you nurture your garden to its fullest potential!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

All arrived on time and

All arrived on time and in healthy condition! Our Spirea are blooming and the Boxwood are thriving....true to their word!

Hi,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that your Spirea is blooming beautifully and your Boxwoods are thriving—there’s nothing quite like watching your garden come to life. It’s our goal to ensure your plants arrive healthy and make a positive addition to your space, so knowing we delivered true to our word truly means a lot.

If you ever have questions about caring for your Spirea or Boxwood, we’re happy to provide tips, from pruning advice to watering schedules. Don’t hesitate to reach out anytime!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

All arrived on time and

All arrived on time and in healthy condition! Our Spirea are blooming and the Boxwood are thriving....true to their word!

Dear Susan,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that your Spirea are blooming beautifully and your Boxwood are thriving. It’s always our goal to deliver healthy plants that bring joy and beauty to your garden, so your kind words truly mean a lot to us.

If you ever have questions about caring for your plants or are interested in adding something new to your garden, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to help you create—and maintain—a vibrant, flourishing landscape.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Frequently Asked Questions

Do boxwoods grow in shade?

Boxwoods tolerate partial shade but perform best with at least 4-6 hours of morning sun daily. Little Missy Boxwood maintains its dense, lustrous green foliage and compact shape in light shade conditions. For optimal growth and disease resistance, plant in a location with good air circulation and morning sunlight.

Is Little Missy Boxwood a fast-growing or slow-growing shrub?

Little Missy Boxwood is a slow-growing shrub that naturally maintains its compact, rounded shape without frequent pruning. This deliberate growth habit is actually one of its key advantages - you get a polished look year-round without constant maintenance. Shop at Nature Hills for this low-maintenance evergreen.

Will deer eat Little Missy Boxwood or is it deer resistant?

Little Missy Boxwood is deer resistant due to its dense, fine-textured foliage that deer typically avoid. Boxwoods contain compounds that make them unpalatable to browsing animals. Plant it confidently in areas with deer pressure for reliable, year-round structure.

Can Little Missy Boxwood be shipped to my location during winter months?

Little Missy Boxwood can be shipped during winter months to most locations, though timing depends on your hardiness zone and local weather conditions. This hardy cultivar tolerates winter shipping well due to its exceptional cold resistance. Check your zip code at checkout for specific shipping windows in your area.

How much fertilizer does Little Missy Boxwood need throughout the growing season?

Little Missy Boxwood thrives with minimal feeding thanks to its naturally efficient growth habit. A single spring application of balanced slow-release fertilizer is typically sufficient for the entire growing season. Shop at Nature Hills for this low-maintenance performer.

Can Little Missy Boxwood be grown in containers or does it need to be planted in the ground?

Little Missy Boxwood thrives in containers thanks to its naturally compact size and slow growth habit. Its dense, rounded form makes it perfect for flanking doorways or defining patios. Use well-draining potting mix and ensure containers have adequate drainage holes.

How quickly does it reach its mature size?

Little Missy Boxwood grows slowly, typically reaching its mature size of 2-3 feet in 5-7 years. This gradual growth is actually a benefit since it maintains its compact, rounded shape naturally without requiring frequent pruning. Plant it knowing you won't need to trim it back for years.

How often does it need pruning?

Little Missy Boxwood requires minimal pruning due to its naturally compact, rounded growth habit. This "set it and forget it" variety maintains its neat shape with almost zero effort. Light pruning in late spring can enhance density if desired.

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

Little Missy Boxwood