Buxus x ‘Green Gem’, commonly known as Green Gem Boxwood, is a compact, broadleaf evergreen shrub prized for its tidy, rounded form and dense, glossy green foliage. Reaching about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, this slow-growing hybrid maintains its shape with minimal pruning and is ideal for formal borders, foundation plantings, and low hedges. Green Gem is cold hardy and deer resistant, making it a dependable choice for structured, low-maintenance designs. However, as a non-native cultivar, it provides little to no value to native wildlife.

Why choose Green Gem Boxwood:

• Compact and formal: Naturally round shape requires minimal pruning

• Evergreen texture: Year-round foliage adds structure and contrast

• Versatile use: Suitable for edging, containers, or clipped hedges

Cultivating tips:

• Sun exposure: Grows in full sun to part shade

• Soil needs: Prefers well-drained soil; avoid sites with poor drainage

• Maintenance: Prune lightly in spring or summer to maintain shape

Designs for your garden:

• Formal hedging: Excellent for knot gardens, borders, or foundation structure

• Low evergreen edging: Maintains clean lines in mixed beds

• Containers: Neat form makes it a perfect evergreen accent for pots

Ecological considerations:

• Non-native hybrid: Offers little ecological support for native insects or birds

• No wildlife value: Not used by pollinators or as habitat

• Best when paired with natives: Combine with flowering natives for greater biodiversity

Looking for native alternatives?

Ilex glabra ‘Shamrock’ – Shamrock Inkberry: A compact, native evergreen with glossy foliage that can be shaped for hedges or foundation use.
Ilex glabra ‘Compacta’ – Compact Inkberry: Dense, mounding form makes it a great boxwood substitute for borders and low hedging.
Ilex opaca – American Holly: A taller native evergreen with glossy foliage and red berries that support birds and native pollinators.