Little Missy Boxwood

Buxus microphylla 'Little Missy'

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.

$75⁹¹

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Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

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Understanding Plant Options

Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:

Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements

Container Plant Sizes

Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.

Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2" x 2" x 3"	0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts	0.20 - 0.23 dry liters
4" Container	0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts	0.35 - 0.96 dry liters
4.5" Container	0.65 dry quarts	0.72 dry liters
6" Container	1.4 dry quarts	1.59 dry liters
1 Quart	1 dry quart	1.1 dry liters
5.5" Container	1.89 dry quarts	2.08 dry liters

Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2 Quart	2 dry quarts	2.2 dry liters
#1 Container	2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts	2.49 - 4.11 dry liters
5" x 5" x 12"	3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts	3.85 - 4.74 dry liters

Mature Plants (2-4 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#2 Container	1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons	5.24 - 7.75 dry liters
#3 Container	2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons	8.14 - 12.16 dry liters

Large Plants (3-5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#5 Container	2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons	12.86 - 20.35 dry liters
#6 Container	5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons	23.12 - 26.42 dry liters
#7 Container	5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons	26.34 - 28.76 dry liters

Bare Root Plants

Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.

Common Sizes:

Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet

Important Notes

Container Volume Specifications

Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents

Growing Conditions

Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment

Seasonal Availability

Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
Container plants are available throughout the growing season
Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes

Questions?

For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.

Plant Profile & Growing Essentials

Attracts pollinators, Cold hardy, Compact/Dwarf, Container Friendly, Deer-resistant, Disease resistant, Evergreen, Full Sun, Hedge/Screen, Low Maintenance, Non-invasive, Rabbit Resistant, and Shade Tolerant

Specifications

Botanical Name

Buxus microphylla 'Little Missy'
Height

2-3 Feet
Width

2-3 Feet
Growing Zones

5-9
Sunlight
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Growth Rate

Slow
Flower Color
- White
Leaf Color
- Green
Fall Color

Evergreen
Pollinator Friendly

Yes
Bloom Period

Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, OR

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.

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.

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

Little Missy Boxwood

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