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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.
$4927
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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 Week of March 2nd
Zone 7 Week of February 23rd
Zone 8-12 Week of February 15th


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
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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

How big does Green Velvet Boxwood get?
  • Green Velvet Boxwood typically reaches 2-4 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide at maturity, making it perfect for low hedges and foundation plantings. This compact, slow-growing evergreen shrub naturally develops a rounded, mounded shape and maintains its dense form even without regular pruning. Its moderate growth rate makes it ideal for small yards and urban landscapes where space is limited.

How far apart should I plant Green Velvet Boxwood?
  • Plant Green Velvet Boxwood 2-3 feet apart (center to center) for hedging applications. For individual specimen plantings, allow 3-4 feet between plants to accommodate their mature spread. Proper spacing ensures adequate air circulation, reduces disease risk, and prevents overcrowding as the plants mature. For tight hedges, space them closer at 18-24 inches apart.

Is Green Velvet Boxwood deer resistant?
  • Yes, Green Velvet Boxwood is highly deer resistant and rabbit resistant due to its dense foliage and natural compounds that deer find unpalatable. This makes it an excellent choice for gardens in areas with heavy deer pressure. The evergreen shrub is also resistant to most common garden pests, making it a reliable, low-maintenance landscaping option.

How do I care for Green Velvet Boxwood?
  • Green Velvet Boxwood thrives in full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Apply slow-release fertilizer in early spring, and prune lightly in late spring to maintain shape. Mulch around the base to keep roots cool and retain moisture, but keep mulch 6 inches away from the stem.

When should I prune Green Velvet Boxwood?
  • Prune Green Velvet Boxwood in late winter to early spring before new growth begins, or immediately after the first flush of spring growth. Avoid pruning in late fall as this stimulates new growth that won't have time to harden off before winter. Light annual pruning maintains shape, while thinning interior branches improves air circulation and prevents disease.

Why is my Green Velvet Boxwood turning brown?
  • Brown foliage on Green Velvet Boxwood is typically caused by winter burn (bronzing), overwatering leading to root rot, or stress from drought. Winter bronzing occurs when cold winds and sun cause moisture loss faster than roots can replace it from frozen soil. Ensure proper drainage, water before ground freezes, and provide wind protection to prevent browning.

Can Green Velvet Boxwood grow in containers?
  • Yes, Green Velvet Boxwood grows excellently in containers and makes an ideal patio plant. Use a pot at least 16-20 inches wide with drainage holes, and fill with well-draining potting mix. Container plants require more frequent watering than ground-planted specimens but should still dry out between waterings. Repot every 2-3 years and provide winter protection in cold climates.

What soil does Green Velvet Boxwood prefer?
  • Green Velvet Boxwood adapts to various soil types including clay, loam, sand, and chalk, but requires excellent drainage above all else. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5-7.5). Avoid constantly wet or waterlogged soils which can cause fatal root rot. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter or plant in raised beds to improve drainage.

Uses for Green Velvet Boxwood in landscaping?
  • Green Velvet Boxwood is versatile for hedges, foundation plantings, borders, topiary, container gardens, and formal landscapes. Its dense, rounded form works well as a low hedge (2-3 feet), backdrop for perennials, or accent plant. The evergreen foliage provides year-round structure and can be shaped into balls, squares, or other topiary forms for formal garden designs.
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