North Star® Boxwood
Buxus sempervirens 'Katerberg'
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
Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com
Description
North Star™ Boxwood: The Perfect Year-Round Evergreen
Looking for a low-maintenance shrub that stays lush and green all year long? The Proven Winners® ColorChoice® North Star™ Boxwood PP#15998 (Buxus sempervirens 'Katerberg') is a compact, slow-growing broadleaf evergreen with a naturally round shape, making it a versatile choice for gardens, landscapes, and containers.
Its dense, glossy foliage provides structure and beauty to your outdoor spaces in every season! While many plants lose their luster in colder months, North Star™ Boxwood shines with its dense greenery, adding life and structure to your winter landscape.
Why Choose North Star™ Boxwood?
- Evergreen Foliage: Glossy green leaves retain their vibrant color throughout the year, even in winter.
- Compact Shape: Naturally rounded, this shrub requires minimal pruning to maintain its neat, symmetrical form.
- Perfect for Small Spaces: Reaching only 2–3 feet in height and width, it fits beautifully in tight spots.
- Multiple Uses: Use it for hedges, borders, container plantings, or as a standalone specimen.
- Low Maintenance: Resistant to deer and adaptable to various light and soil conditions, North Star™ Boxwood thrives with little effort.
- Heat & Cold Hardy: Thriving in colder growing zones of USDA growing zones 5 to 9.
- Deer & Rabbit Resistant
- Easy to Grow!
How to Use North Star™ Boxwood in Your Landscape
Some plants are so much a part of a garden culture that it's hard to imagine a landscape without them. Boxwood are shrubs like that! From the palace gardens of Versailles to the Victorian Painted Ladies in San Francisco, Boxwoods have been in the picture!
- Formal Hedges: Plant in rows to create a tidy, evergreen border or define walkways. North Star® is perfect for the classic Boxwood hedge of English garden fame that so many gardeners crave!
- Foundation Plantings: Add year-round greenery around the base of your home.
- Container Gardening: Perfect for patios, porches, or entryways when planted in pots.
- Accent Plant: Use as a focal point in garden beds or mixed borders.
- Winter Landscaping: Pair with festive decor for seasonal charm.
- Containers: Have some fun and pot up your North Star® in a fancy planter or container and train it into a topiary!
Proven Winners® ColorChoice® is a fine-textured shrub that keeps its naturally tidy, rounded appearance with or without pruning.
Boxwood Care & Maintenance
Planting:
- Choose a location with full sun to partial shade.
- Ensure soil is well-drained; amend with organic matter if needed
- Well-drained average to alkaline soil
- Space plants 2–3 feet apart for hedges or group plantings.
Care:
- Water regularly during establishment, then only during dry spells. Boxwood only needs supplemental moisture during drought and water before the winter sets in, as they need this moisture in their leaves to protect them against the drying winter winds.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth.
- Prune or shear lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain shape.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
North Star™ Boxwood is the go-to choice for gardeners seeking elegance and ease. Whether you're looking to frame your landscape with lush hedges or add year-long greenery to a small space, this dependable shrub has you covered.
Order your Proven Winners® ColorChoice® evergreen shrubs like North Star® Boxwood from Nature Hills Nursery today and enjoy its timeless beauty for years to come!
FAQs About North Star® Boxwood
How tall does North Star® Boxwood grow?
North Star® Boxwood reaches about 2-2.5 feet in height and width, making it perfect for small spaces and low hedges.
Does North Star® Boxwood need a lot of maintenance?
No, it’s very low-maintenance! Its naturally rounded shape requires minimal pruning to keep it tidy.
Is it deer-resistant?
Yes, North Star® Boxwood is deer-resistant, making it a great option for areas with high deer populations.
Can I grow North Star® Boxwood in a container?
Absolutely! Its compact size and evergreen foliage make it an excellent choice for container planting.
When should I prune North Star® Boxwood?
Prune in late spring or early summer, after the first flush of new growth, to shape or maintain its size.
Specifications
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Botanical Name
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Class
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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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Width
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Sunlight
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Growth RateSlow
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Flower Color
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Leaf Color
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Fall Color
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FragrantYes
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Bloom PeriodLate Spring
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Does Not Ship ToAK, HI, ID, MT, PR
Characteristics
