Green Velvet Boxwood
Buxus x 'Green Velvet'
Planting & Care
Planting & Care
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
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 6-12 | Week of March 2nd |
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.
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 Sentry™ Protected
Your order is protected by our compliance system that:
- Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
- Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
- Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases
Description
What makes Green Velvet Boxwood special?
A cold-hardy evergreen with glossy foliage that stays vibrant green year-round, perfect for hedges and topiaries in zones 5-9.
What Growing Conditions Does It Need?
Green Velvet Boxwood thrives in USDA zones 5-9 and handles both full sun and partial shade (4-6 hours daily). It prefers well-drained soil with slightly acidic to neutral pH and grows to a compact 3-4 feet tall and wide. In zone 9's extreme heat, provide afternoon shade for best results.
How Do I Plant and Care for Green Velvet Boxwood?
Plant your boxwood in spring or fall, spacing them 2-3 feet apart for hedging. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant at the same depth it was growing in the container. Water thoroughly after planting and apply 2 inches of mulch around the base.
For ongoing care, water consistently during the first year, then deeply during dry spells once established. Fertilize in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer. Light pruning in late winter or early spring maintains its naturally rounded shape - this boxwood care guide covers trimming techniques.
What Are the Key Benefits?
Green Velvet gives you evergreen structure without the high maintenance. Its dense, compact growth creates perfect low hedges and borders without constant trimming. The glossy green foliage stays vibrant through winter when most plants look drab.
This variety won both the 1997 Styer Award and 1998 Michigan Growers' Choice Award for good reason - it's exceptionally cold hardy compared to other boxwoods. Once established, it's drought-tolerant and adapts to various soil conditions, making it ideal for formal hedge designs.
What Should I Know Before Buying?
Green Velvet Boxwood grows slowly, adding 3-4 inches per year, so buy larger plants if you need an immediate impact. Plant in spring or early fall for best establishment before temperature extremes. While deer-resistant, protect young plants in areas with heavy deer pressure.
This boxwood pairs beautifully with colorful perennials like Russian Sage or Lavender for contrast. For a classic look, combine with other versatile boxwood varieties to create knot gardens or formal borders. Container growing works well for patios - just ensure adequate drainage and winter protection in zones 5-6.
Specifications
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Botanical Name
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Species
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Cultivar
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Growing Zones
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Height
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Sunlight
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Growth RateSlow
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Fall Color
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Bloom PeriodLate Spring
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Does Not Ship ToAK, HI, ID, MT, PR
Characteristics
