Green Gem Boxwood

Buxus x 'Green Gem'

Nature Hills Nursery

Naturally Forms Perfect Spheres Without Pruning - Year-Round Emerald Green
Thrives in Zones 4-9
Grows 3 ft Tall and Wide
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
Showy White, Green Blooms in Late Spring

$22¹⁹

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Plant Size

Quart Container #2 Container #1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Aim for a spot that receives 5-6 hours of sun, ideally morning sun, and dappled shade in the afternoon. While 'Green Gem' can handle full sun, the intense summer rays or winter exposure can cause the foliage to bronze, shifting its deep green color.
Soil: The one essential requirement is excellent drainage; Boxwood roots hate "wet feet" and will quickly succumb to root rot in soggy conditions. If you have heavy clay, incorporate plenty of coarse organic matter, like compost, or plant on a slight berm to ensure water sheds away quickly.

Watering Requirements

For the first year or two, your Boxwood needs consistent moisture to establish its shallow root system, so water deeply once a week, especially in hot, dry weather. Once it is established, 'Green Gem' is quite drought tolerant and will only require supplemental watering during extended dry periods. Inconsistent watering, however, will stress the plant, leading to yellowing leaves and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.

Pruning Tips

Boxwood is grown for its foliage and produces growth on new wood. The best long-term care involves thinning, which means reaching inside the shrub and snipping small branches to open up the canopy. Perform this in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Thinning is essential because it allows sunlight and air to penetrate the interior, preventing the fungal issues that thrive in dense, damp foliage and ensuring a healthy, full shrub.

Fertilizer Needs

'Green Gem' is not a heavy feeder, so a light application of a slow-release, balanced granular fertilizer (like a 10-10-10) in early spring is usually all it needs to support its new foliage. What to avoid: Do not feed your Boxwood after mid-July. Fertilizing too late in the season encourages a soft flush of new growth that will not have time to harden off before fall frosts, resulting in tender tip burn and damage.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 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

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

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, Evergreen, Full Sun, Hedge/Screen, Low Maintenance, Non-invasive, Rabbit Resistant, Shade Tolerant
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	3 ft
Width	3 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	White, Green
Foliage Color	Green
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Boxwood
Botanical Name	Buxus x 'Green Gem'
Species	x
Cultivar	Green Gem
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

What makes Green Gem Boxwood special?

It naturally grows into a perfect little green ball without pruning and stays vibrant green all year, even through harsh winters.

What Growing Conditions Does It Need?

Green Gem thrives in USDA zones 4-9 with partial to full sun (4-6 hours daily). It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil and grows into a compact 2-3 feet tall and wide ball. This dwarf boxwood handles both summer heat and winter cold like a champ.

How Do I Plant and Care for Green Gem Boxwood?

Plant in spring or fall, spacing 2-3 feet apart for low hedges or 3-4 feet for individual specimens. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, plant at the same depth it was growing, and water thoroughly.

Water regularly the first year while roots establish, then only during dry spells. Apply slow-release fertilizer in early spring and add 2 inches of mulch around the base. Light shaping in late spring keeps it tidy, though it naturally maintains its round shape.

What Are the Key Benefits?

You'll get year-round structure without the work since Green Gem keeps its shape naturally. It's perfect for small spaces and containers where larger boxwoods won't fit. The dense evergreen foliage creates instant privacy for low borders and defines garden spaces beautifully.

This tough little shrub bounces back from deer browsing and handles urban conditions better than most evergreens.

What Should I Know Before Buying?

Green Gem works best in spots with morning sun and afternoon shade in hot climates. It's slower growing than other boxwoods, reaching full size in 5-7 years. While deer-resistant, it's not deer-proof in areas with high pressure.

Plant with other compact evergreens for year-round interest or use as a green backdrop for colorful perennials. Spring planting gives the best establishment before summer heat. Consider companion plants like hostas or astilbe for shady spots.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Green Gem Boxwood tolerate full sun, partial shade, or full shade?

Green Gem Boxwood thrives in partial to full sun, needing 4-6 hours of daily sunlight in USDA zones 4-9. In hot climates, choose spots with morning sun and afternoon shade for best results.

Can Green Gem Boxwood be grown in containers year-round?

Yes, Green Gem Boxwood thrives in containers year-round in zones 4-9, staying compact at 2-3 feet. Choose a pot at least 18 inches wide and protect from extreme winter winds. Shop at Nature Hills for healthy specimens that establish beautifully in containers.

How do I protect Green Gem Boxwood from winter burn or cold damage?

Green Gem Boxwood naturally handles winter cold in zones 4-9 without protection. In exposed locations, apply 2-3 inches of mulch around the base and provide afternoon shade during winter months to prevent desiccation from cold, drying winds.

What is the growth rate of Green Gem Boxwood?

Green Gem Boxwood is slower growing than other boxwoods, reaching its full 2-3 feet size in 5-7 years. This compact shrub naturally maintains its round shape without frequent pruning. Plant in spring for best establishment before summer heat arrives.

When is the best time to prune Green Gem Boxwood?

Green Gem Boxwood needs minimal pruning since it naturally maintains its perfect round shape. Light shaping in late spring is all that's required to keep it tidy. Focus on removing any damaged branches rather than heavy pruning. Shop Green Gem Boxwood at naturehills.com.

Does Green Gem Boxwood come with any warranty or guarantee from the nursery?

Green Gem Boxwood typically comes with a one-year warranty covering plants that fail to establish when planted and cared for properly. Most nurseries guarantee the plant will arrive healthy and true to variety. Plant in spring for best establishment in zones 4-9, and follow proper care guidelines to ensure warranty coverage.