Little Missy Boxwood

Buxus microphylla 'Little Missy'

Plants that Work®

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.

$76⁹²

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Plant Size

#2 Container #3 Container

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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.

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, Disease resistant, Evergreen, Full Sun, Hedge/Screen, Low Maintenance, Non-invasive, Rabbit Resistant, Shade Tolerant
Hardiness Zone	6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	2-3 Feet
Width	2-3 Feet
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Slow
Growth Habit	Bushy
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	White
Foliage Color	Green
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Boxwood
Botanical Name	Buxus microphylla 'Little Missy'
Species	microphylla
Cultivar	Little Missy
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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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Frequently Asked Questions

Do boxwoods grow in shade?

Boxwoods tolerate partial shade but perform best with at least 4-6 hours of morning sun daily. Little Missy Boxwood maintains its dense, lustrous green foliage and compact shape in light shade conditions. For optimal growth and disease resistance, plant in a location with good air circulation and morning sunlight.

Is Little Missy Boxwood a fast-growing or slow-growing shrub?

Little Missy Boxwood is a slow-growing shrub that naturally maintains its compact, rounded shape without frequent pruning. This deliberate growth habit is actually one of its key advantages - you get a polished look year-round without constant maintenance. Shop at Nature Hills for this low-maintenance evergreen.

Will deer eat Little Missy Boxwood or is it deer resistant?

Little Missy Boxwood is deer resistant due to its dense, fine-textured foliage that deer typically avoid. Boxwoods contain compounds that make them unpalatable to browsing animals. Plant it confidently in areas with deer pressure for reliable, year-round structure.

Can Little Missy Boxwood be shipped to my location during winter months?

Little Missy Boxwood can be shipped during winter months to most locations, though timing depends on your hardiness zone and local weather conditions. This hardy cultivar tolerates winter shipping well due to its exceptional cold resistance. Check your zip code at checkout for specific shipping windows in your area.

How much fertilizer does Little Missy Boxwood need throughout the growing season?

Little Missy Boxwood thrives with minimal feeding thanks to its naturally efficient growth habit. A single spring application of balanced slow-release fertilizer is typically sufficient for the entire growing season. Shop at Nature Hills for this low-maintenance performer.

Can Little Missy Boxwood be grown in containers or does it need to be planted in the ground?

Little Missy Boxwood thrives in containers thanks to its naturally compact size and slow growth habit. Its dense, rounded form makes it perfect for flanking doorways or defining patios. Use well-draining potting mix and ensure containers have adequate drainage holes.

How quickly does it reach its mature size?

Little Missy Boxwood grows slowly, typically reaching its mature size of 2-3 feet in 5-7 years. This gradual growth is actually a benefit since it maintains its compact, rounded shape naturally without requiring frequent pruning. Plant it knowing you won't need to trim it back for years.

How often does it need pruning?

Little Missy Boxwood requires minimal pruning due to its naturally compact, rounded growth habit. This "set it and forget it" variety maintains its neat shape with almost zero effort. Light pruning in late spring can enhance density if desired.

Little Missy Boxwood

Buxus microphylla 'Little Missy'