Winter Gem Boxwood

Name: Winter Gem Boxwood
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 22981E
Price: 24.89 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.67 (3 reviews)

Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Winter Gem'

Winter Gem Buxus Turns Bronze in Cold Months for Year-Round Color Interest
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
Showy White, Green Blooms in Late Spring
Top Pick for Hedge or Foundation Planting

$24⁸⁹

Shipping calculated at checkout.

In Stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Plant Size

Quart Container #1 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, Drought resistant, Evergreen, Fall Color/Interest, Full Sun, Hedge/Screen, Low Maintenance, Non-invasive, Shade Tolerant
Hardiness Zone	6a to 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	2-4 ft
Width	1-3 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Slow
Growth Habit	Bushy
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	White, Green
Foliage Color	Green
Fragrant	Yes
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets, Toxic to horses
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Boxwood
Botanical Name	Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Winter Gem'
Species	microphylla var. japonica
Cultivar	Winter Gem
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Winter Gem Boxwood: Year-Round Elegance in Every Landscape

Winter Gem Boxwood (Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Winter Gem') is a must-have for any garden design. This compact, broadleaf evergreen shrub offers year-round visual appeal with its glossy, rich green foliage that turns a bronze hue in winter.

Ideal for hedges, borders, and container plantings, Winter Gem is as versatile as it is stunning. Its hardy, low-maintenance nature ensures it thrives in a variety of landscapes, making it a favorite for gardeners everywhere!

For a tidy landscape, there is nothing – and we mean nothing – like the formal charm of the Boxwood. You can find space for this petite broad-leaved evergreen shrub all around your yard. It grows well in full sun or part shade.

Why Choose Winter Gem Boxwood?

Year-Round Color: Vibrant broadleaf evergreen foliage in summer transitions to a warm, bronze tint in winter.
Compact Growth: Reaches 2–4 feet tall and wide, perfect for smaller spaces or neat hedging.
Versatile Design: Ideal for formal hedges, mixed borders, foundation plantings, or topiaries.
Low Maintenance: Adaptable, drought-tolerant once established, Boxwoods are easy to care for.
Cold Hardy: Thrives in USDA Zones 5–9, making it a durable choice for many climates.

Landscaping Ideas for Winter Gem Boxwood

Shear them or leave them to grow more naturally. You'll grow to love that softer look! They’ll stay small naturally. This easy plant is a designer’s secret weapon. It’s smart and stylish and makes any partner plant look more like itself.

Formal Hedges: Create neat, classic boundaries along walkways or property lines.
Foundation Plantings: Frame your home with evergreen beauty and structure.
Mixed Borders: Winter Gem is tidy enough to not need pruning! Pair with colorful perennials or seasonal blooms for added depth.
Topiaries: Shape into stunning spheres or geometric forms for formal gardens.
Containers: Use Boxwood in planters to enhance patios, balconies, or entryways year-round.

Boxwood Planting & Care

Winter Gem is an excellent Boxwood. It’s not fussy about soils and flourishes with at least 4 hours of sun a day. It will take full sun all day without a care in the world. In the extreme heat of Zone 9, it can be wise to give afternoon shade where possible.

Planting Tips

Location: Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of sunlight daily).
Soil: Prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Spacing: Space plants 2–3 feet apart for a dense hedge or border.

Care Instructions

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist during the first growing season; water deeply in dry periods.
Mulching: Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring for lush foliage.

Order Your Winter Gem Boxwood Today!

Upgrade your landscape with the timeless elegance of Winter Gem Boxwood. Its year-round appeal, easy-care nature, and versatile design make it a top choice for gardeners of all levels. Don’t wait—bring this enduring beauty to your garden now! Nature Hills Online Plant Nursery will ship your order right to your doorstep!

Other Boxwood varieties

Little Missy Boxwood
Buxus microphylla 'Little Missy'

Regular price From $76⁹²
Green Gem Boxwood
Buxus x 'Green Gem'

(4)

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

(2)

Regular price From $46⁷²
Green Mountain Boxwood
Buxus x 'Green Mountain'

(26)

Regular price From $21⁹⁹
Cranberry Creek Boxwood
Buxus x 'Cranberry Creek'

(32)

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

(13)

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

New arrival

Regular price From $93⁹¹
NewGen® Freedom Boxwood
Buxus 'SB300'

Regular price From $46⁶²

Plants similar to Winter Gem Boxwood

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

(2)

Regular price $77⁰⁹
Golden Mop False Cypress
Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Golden Mop'

(1)

Regular price From $62²⁷
Fire Chief™ Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Congabe'

(7)

Regular price $91⁰⁸
Hetz Midget Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Hetz Midget'

(1)

Regular price $93²⁴
Golden Globe Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Golden Globe'

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

Regular price $84²⁵
Franky Boy Arborvitae
Thuja orientalis 'Franky Boy'

Regular price $108⁵²
Densiformis Yew
Taxus x media 'Densiformis'

(1)

Regular price From $42³³

I am very happy

I am very happy. The wrong boxwood was replaced with another even larger one without any issues. I named it Angie after the customer service rep, even though I know she was probably AI.

Angie is a great name for a boxwood. We are glad the replacement process went smoothly and that you ended up with an even larger plant. Winter Gem is a tough, reliable grower, so Angie should reward you for years to come. Thanks for sharing this, it genuinely made us smile.

The boxwoods were good, and shipping was fast.

The boxwo were good

Hi there, Thank you so much for the wonderful review on our Winter Gem Boxwoods! We are happy to hear that they arrived looking lovely. Here's a helpful tip for your newly planted boxwoods: make sure to water them deeply and regularly through their first season, even into fall and winter if the ground isn't frozen. Boxwoods are shallow rooted, so a nice layer of mulch around the base will help retain moisture and protect those roots during temperature swings. We appreciate you and hope you enjoy the beautiful evergreen color these bring to your landscape year round!

Great Size

The Winter Gem Boxwood is a great size. It's nice and dense too so it's very easy to prune into any height or shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are boxwoods deer resistant?

Boxwoods are generally deer resistant due to their dense, waxy foliage that deer find unpalatable. Winter Gem Boxwood's compact 2-4 foot size makes it less likely to be browsed than taller shrubs. Plant them as foundation hedges or borders in zones 5-9 for natural deer deterrence.

Are boxwoods evergreen?

Yes, boxwoods are broadleaf evergreens that maintain their foliage year-round. Winter Gem Boxwood keeps its glossy green leaves through all seasons, transitioning to attractive bronze tones in winter across USDA Zones 5-9. Shop Winter Gem at Nature Hills for reliable evergreen structure in your landscape.

Is Winter Gem Boxwood a fast-growing or slow-growing shrub?

Winter Gem Boxwood is a slow-growing shrub that reaches just 2-4 feet tall and wide at maturity. This compact growth habit makes it perfect for formal hedges and foundation plantings where you want controlled, neat growth. Plan for gradual development rather than quick coverage.

What plants pair well with Winter Gem Boxwood in landscape designs?

Winter Gem Boxwood's compact 2-4 foot size and tidy growth make it an excellent backdrop for colorful perennials and seasonal blooms. Its evergreen structure enhances any partner plant while providing year-round foundation in mixed borders. Pair with flowering shrubs, ornamental grasses, or annual displays for striking contrast against the glossy green foliage.

Does Winter Gem Boxwood need to be pruned and if so, when is the best time?

Winter Gem Boxwood rarely needs pruning as it naturally stays compact at 2-4 feet. If you do want to shape it for formal hedges or topiaries, prune in late spring after new growth appears. For the easiest boxwood maintenance, shop Winter Gem at naturehills.com.

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

Winter Gem Boxwood

Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Winter Gem'