Little Missy Boxwood

Buxus microphylla 'Little Missy'

Plants that Work®

Shrub

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

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Little Missy Boxwood is exceptionally versatile, thriving in full sun to partial shade. To maintain its dense, dark green foliage, aim for at least four to six hours of direct sunlight. While it handles shade well, too much deep shade can lead to a looser, less compact growth habit.
Soil: This shrub prefers moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. If you are dealing with heavy clay, plant it in a slight mound to keep the roots from sitting in water, or incorporate organic compost to improve drainage.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water your Little Missy Boxwood deeply twice a week to ensure the root system reaches past the planting hole. Once established, this variety is quite drought-tolerant, but it still requires supplemental water during extreme heat waves to prevent leaf scorch. If watering is inconsistent, the plant may show "bronzing" or orange-tinted leaves as a sign of environmental stress.

Pruning Tips

Because this is a slow-growing dwarf variety that naturally holds a rounded shape, pruning is rarely a necessity. If you want to tidy it up, do so in late spring after the first flush of new growth has hardened off. Think of it like a light haircut; just snip the stray branches to maintain its "mound" look without cutting back into the old wood where new buds are less likely to form.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release "Evergreen" fertilizer once in early spring before new growth begins to emerge. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall, as this encourages tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This late-season growth is easily damaged by winter's cold, which can lead to unsightly dieback in the spring.

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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

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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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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.

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Growing Zones 5-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best planting time and method for Little Missy Boxwood?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to plant. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. Ensure the top of the root ball is slightly above the soil line to prevent crown rot. Backfill with native soil and water deeply to settle the roots.

What are the watering and fertilizing needs?

Little Missy prefers consistent moisture, especially during its first two years of establishment. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant. Apply a slow-release, balanced evergreen fertilizer in early spring before new growth emerges. Mulching with 2-3 inches of wood chips helps retain moisture and cool the roots.

Does it require frequent pruning?

Not at all! Its natural habit is a tidy mound. However, if you prefer a very crisp, formal look, you can lightly shear it in late spring after the first flush of growth. Avoid pruning in late autumn, as this can encourage new growth that may be damaged by winter frost.

Is Little Missy Boxwood deer and pest resistant?

Yes. Boxwoods are naturally deer-resistant because their leaves contain alkaloids that taste bitter to deer. Furthermore, the 'Antoinette' cultivar is specifically noted for its superior resistance to the Boxwood Leafminer, a common pest that affects the appearance of many other boxwood varieties.

Can I grow Little Missy in containers?

Absolutely. Its slow growth rate and compact size make it one of the best evergreen shrubs for pots. Ensure your container has excellent drainage and use a high-quality potting mix. In colder zones, consider moving the container to a sheltered area during the harshest part of winter.

Little Missy Boxwood