Buxus x Winter Gem is a compact evergreen boxwood hybrid valued for its dense, rounded form and improved winter performance. It typically grows slightly larger than some dwarf boxwoods, forming a neat, mounded shrub that works well in both formal and traditional landscape designs.

Small, glossy green leaves create a full, uniform appearance and generally retain good color through winter, especially when planted in protected sites. Winter Gem was selected for better cold tolerance and reduced winter damage compared to older boxwood varieties. Its naturally tidy habit allows it to maintain structure with minimal pruning.

Well-suited for home landscapes, Winter Gem Boxwood grows best in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils. Its moderate growth rate and dependable form make it a practical choice for hedges, borders, and foundation plantings where consistent evergreen structure is desired.

Why choose Winter Gem Boxwood

Balanced size: Larger than dwarf boxwoods without becoming oversized

Improved winter performance: Selected for better cold tolerance

Evergreen structure: Dense foliage provides year-round form

Cultivating tips

Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade

Soil needs: Prefers well-drained soils; avoid poorly drained sites

Maintenance: Low—prune lightly to maintain shape

Designs for your garden

Hedges and borders: Creates clean, defined evergreen lines

Foundation plantings: Adds year-round structure near buildings

Formal landscapes: Suitable for classic and structured designs

Ecological benefits

Year-round cover: Dense growth provides shelter for small wildlife

Low-input shrub: Maintains form with minimal pruning

Structural value: Adds permanence and definition to the landscape

Looking for Native Alternatives?

Kalmia latifolia – Mountain Laurel: Mountain Laurel is a native broadleaf evergreen shrub that provides year-round structure and a naturally dense habit. It works well as a foundation or accent planting in partially shaded landscapes.

Ilex glabra Shamrock – Shamrock Inkberry: Shamrock Inkberry is a native evergreen shrub with a compact, rounded habit that provides reliable structure similar to boxwood. It performs well in hedges and foundation plantings and tolerates wetter soils.

Thuja occidentalis Nigra – Dark American Arborvitae: Dark American Arborvitae is a native evergreen with a dense, upright habit that works well for hedges and formal plantings. It provides consistent year-round structure and typically holds its color well through winter.

Plant appearance may vary by season and growing conditions. All plants ship healthy with established root systems.