Gold Gem Boxwood

Buxus x 'Gold Gem'

Nature Hills Nursery

Radiant Yellow-Gold Foliage Brightens Winter Landscapes Year-Round
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 1-2 ft Tall and Wide
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
Fragrant Blooms in Late Spring

$57⁹⁴

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sun to maintain the vibrant golden color. While it handles partial shade well, the foliage will shift toward a lime green rather than bright gold if it sits in too much shade.
Soil: These shrubs prefer moist and well drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If you have heavy clay, plant your boxwood in a raised mound to keep the roots from sitting in stagnant water which can lead to root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, provide deep soakings twice a week to help the root system reach deep into the soil. Once established, Gold Gem is quite drought tolerant, but inconsistent moisture during extreme heat can cause the leaf tips to scorch or turn bronze. Mature plants generally only need supplemental water during dry spells longer than two weeks.

Pruning Tips

Boxwoods typically produce their inconspicuous flowers on old wood, but since this variety is grown for its glowing foliage, you can prune almost anytime in late spring after the first flush of growth. Think of pruning like a light haircut to maintain its rounded shape and encourage denser branching. Avoid heavy shearing in late autumn because new growth stimulated by the cuts will not have time to harden off before the first frost.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as the new buds begin to swell. This provides the nutrients necessary for that signature gold color to pop throughout the summer. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because they can force soft growth that is easily damaged by winter temperatures.

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, Shade Tolerant
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	1-2 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Upright
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	White, Green
Foliage Color	Yellow, Green
Fragrant	Yes
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Boxwood
Botanical Name	Buxus x 'Gold Gem'
Species	x
Cultivar	Gold Gem
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Gold Gem Boxwood – Compact Year-Round Glow

Brighten up your landscape with the Gold Gem Boxwood (Buxus x 'Gold Gem'), a stunning small-scale shrub that provides four-season color and structure. Unlike traditional broadleaf evergreen Boxwoods, Gold Gem boasts radiant yellow-gold-edged green foliage that holds its brilliance year-round, even in the colder months!

This slow-growing, naturally rounded Dwarf shrub is perfect for low hedges, foundation plantings, borders, and container gardens—offering a formal yet vibrant look with minimal maintenance.

With outstanding cold hardiness, excellent drought tolerance, and deer resistance, this easy-care evergreen is ideal for both classic and modern landscapes. Whether used as a low hedge, accent plant, or mass planting, Gold Gem Boxwood provides year-round color and structure with effortless charm.

Why You'll Love Gold Gem Boxwood

If you love golden foliage, year-round interest, and a compact, manageable size, Gold Gem Boxwood is the perfect choice!

Bright Golden-Yellow Foliage – Leaves emerge golden-green in spring and deepen to a warm gold-edged green, offering seasonal dimension.
Evergreen & Year-Round Interest – Maintains dense, vibrant four-season foliage throughout all seasons, even in cold winters.
Naturally Compact & Rounded – Grows only 1-2 feet tall and wide, perfect for small gardens, edging, and containers.
Cold Hardy & Heat Tolerant – Handling both chilly winters and warm summers throughout USDA growing zones 5 to 9.
Deer & Pest Resistant – Unlike other shrubs, Boxwoods are unappealing to deer and most garden pests.
Low Maintenance & Easy to Grow – Requires minimal pruning and thrives in various soil conditions.

Using Gold Gem Boxwood In The Landscape

This versatile, easy-care broadleaf evergreen shrub fits seamlessly into formal and casual landscapes alike, offering a bright pop of color and reliable structure.

Borders & Edging – Creates a low, glowing hedge or edging along walkways, driveways, and garden beds. The naturally neat and tidy growth lends itself to easy formal landscaping.
Foundation Plantings – Adds warm contrast against darker evergreens or home exteriors.
Container Gardens & Patios – Thrives in planters and pots, offering a neat, sculpted look year-round.
Mass Plantings & Low Hedges – Forms a dense, eye-catching drift when planted in groups.
Accent Planting & Color Contrast – Pairs beautifully with dark green Boxwoods, Hydrangeas, and Perennials.
Formal & Japanese Gardens – Complements structured, manicured designs with its rounded form and golden hue.

Care & Maintenance

This trouble-free, long-lived dwarf Boxwood shrub thrives with minimal care, making it perfect for gardeners of all levels. Find tips and tricks to grow yours HERE.

Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade; best color develops in at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily.
Soil & Fertilizing: Adaptable to various soil types, but thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring for lush, vibrant growth.
Watering: Water regularly during the first year; once established, it is highly drought-tolerant.
Mulching: Apply a 3-4-inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect roots.
Pruning: Minimal pruning required—light shaping in early spring keeps it looking neat.

Brighten Your Landscape With Gold Gem Boxwood!

For timeless elegance with a modern space-saving twist, Gold Gem Boxwood Bush is an unbeatable choice! Whether used as a low-maintenance hedge, a golden accent in mixed plantings, or a stunning container plant, its vivid color and compact size make it an easy, worry-free way to enhance your garden.

Order yours today at Nature Hils Nursery and enjoy glowing golden foliage year-round!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does Gold Gem Boxwood grow?

It has a slow to moderate growth rate, reaching 1-2 feet tall and wide over time.

Can Boxwood be grown in full shade?

It does best in full sun to partial shade, but too much shade may cause leggy, fading or slower growth.

Is it deer-resistant?

Yes! Boxwoods are naturally unappealing to deer, making them a great choice for areas with wildlife pressure.

Does Boxwood need a lot of pruning?

No! Its naturally rounded shape requires only occasional light pruning to maintain form.

Can I grow Boxwood in a container?

Absolutely! Gold Gem Boxwood thrives in pots, making it an excellent choice for patios, balconies, and formal entryways.

Will Gold Gem Boxwood lose its leaves in winter?

No! It is fully evergreen and maintains golden foliage year-round, even in cold climates.