★★★★★ Rated 4.8 out of 5 Stars

1 Year Warranty on All Plants

Get 10% Off with code FALL10

Up to 81% Off- Shop the Fall Sale Now!

Winter Gem Boxwood Shrub

$9995 $25995
Size
Free Shipping - Your plants ship tomorrow
Plant Health Guaranteed
Free Lifetime Support
Risk-Free 1 Year Warranty
Use code "FALL10" for an extra 10% off!

Your Plants are Guaranteed to Grow

Your plants are guaranteed to arrive happy & healthy with our 1 Year Warranty. Your order will arrive healthy and stay healthy while they adapt to your climate. If your tree arrives damaged or dies within 30 days, we'll replace it for free. If it dies after 30 days, but before 1 year, we will replace it for just 50% of the current price.

Free Shipping on All Orders

Relax... we've got you covered with free shipping on every order! We ship out so many huge plants, we've negotiated a low rate with our carriers... and we pass those savings on to you! Your plants will ship out the next business day... expertly packed so that your plants will arrive happy and healthy!

Is Now a Good Time to Plant?

Yes! Fall is one of the best times to plant!

Landscaping experts often recommend planting in fall instead of waiting until spring. Here’s why:

  • Cooler weather puts less stress on newly planted trees and shrubs.
  • Fall soil is still warm, which helps roots grow and get established.
  • Cooler temperatures mean less water is lost through the leaves, making it easier for plants to stay hydrated.
  • Even after top growth slows for winter, roots continue developing below ground.
  • Fall weather often brings more rain and less heat, making new plants easier to care for.
  • By spring, your plants already have a head start. Their established roots can support strong new leaves, branches, and flowers.
  • Trees planted in spring must establish their roots while also dealing with rising temperatures and summer heat.

Plant this fall, and your trees can spend the cooler months getting settled instead of waiting until spring to get started!

Planting your Winter Gem Boxwood Shrub

Winter Gem Boxwood (Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Winter Gem') Planting Guide

1. Planting Instructions:

  • Location: Winter Gem Boxwood prefers full sun to partial shade. While it can tolerate full sun, a location with some afternoon shade is ideal in warmer climates to prevent leaf scorch.
  • Soil Preparation: This boxwood thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5 to 7.5). If your soil is heavy or clay-based, amend it with compost or well-rotted organic matter to improve drainage and aeration.
  • Digging the Hole: Dig a hole that is as deep as the root ball and about twice as wide. Ensuring proper width allows the roots to spread more easily as they establish.
  • Planting: Place the boxwood in the center of the hole with the top of the root ball sitting just above the surrounding soil level to prevent water from pooling around the stem. Backfill the hole with native soil mixed with organic matter, pressing it down gently to remove air pockets.
  • Mulching: Add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, such as bark or leaf mulch, around the base of the plant to retain moisture and insulate the roots. Keep mulch a few inches away from the stem to avoid rot.
  • Watering: Water thoroughly after planting. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist for the first few weeks to help the roots establish.

2. Care Instructions (Establishment Period):

  • Watering: Water regularly during the first year, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Deep watering once a week is ideal, though frequency may increase during hot or dry weather. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely between waterings.
  • Fertilizing: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring (e.g., 10-10-10) to encourage healthy growth. Boxwoods are not heavy feeders, so a light annual feeding is usually sufficient.
  • Monitoring: Keep an eye on leaf discoloration or wilting, which could indicate underwatering or overwatering. Boxwoods are prone to pests like boxwood leafminer and mites. If pests appear, treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

3. Maintenance and Long-Term Care:

  • Pruning: Winter Gem Boxwoods benefit from light pruning to maintain shape and encourage dense growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. You can also lightly trim throughout the growing season if necessary to maintain the desired shape.
  • Watering: Once established, Winter Gem Boxwood is moderately drought-tolerant, but it performs best with regular watering during dry spells. Water deeply once every 7-10 days, or more frequently in hot, dry conditions.
  • Winter Care: In colder climates, Winter Gem Boxwood can experience some leaf burn or discoloration during winter months. To protect it from harsh winter winds and sun, consider wrapping the plant in burlap or placing it in a sheltered location. Apply a fresh layer of mulch in late fall to insulate the roots from freezing temperatures.
  • Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for pests like boxwood leafminer, mites, and fungal diseases like boxwood blight. Keeping good air circulation by spacing the plants properly and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent fungal issues. Regular inspections and prompt treatment with insecticidal soap or fungicides are recommended.
What Customers say about the Winter Gem Boxwood Shrub:

The Winter Gem Boxwood Shrub thrives in Zones 5-9

Growing Zones for the Winter Gem Boxwood Shrub

If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Winter Gem Boxwood Shrub.

Your Growing Zone
Recommended Zones 5-9
Mature Height 2-4 ft.
Mature Width 2-4 ft.
Cannot Ship To AZ, OR, PA, TN
Sunlight Full to Partial Sun
Botanical Name Buxus microphylla 'Winter Gem'

Plants that Make a Difference

For 20+ years, our team has shipped healthy, established plants to gardeners like you- all across the country. Every plant is selected and cared for by our plant experts before it ships to your door.

  • 20+ Years Experience

  • Superior Quality

  • Free Shipping on All Orders

  • Guaranteed to Grow

Close-up of a dense, bright green Winter Gem Boxwood hedge with small, glossy leaves.

Beware- not all Winter Gem Boxwoods are the same.

Be sure to get superior boxwoods, grown by experts.

Better Roots Make Stronger Plants: Some nurseries send you "bare root" boxwoods to save on shipping. Even worse, others have started digging them right out of the ground before shipping. This causes major transplant shock and long-term damage. We send you Winter Gem Boxwoods in soil-filled containers- ensuring a well-developed root system that will explode with growth!

Healthy Plants: We've seen other nurseries grow tall boxwoods in tiny pots to save on shipping. This leads to a "root bound" shrub, where the roots have outgrown their pot- they cannot absorb water and nutrients. They quickly dry out during shipment, leading to an unhealthy shrub.

Winter Gem Boxwood Srub in mulch bed near front porch of home.

Winter Gem Boxwood is the go-to shrub for tidy, year-round structure- low hedges, borders and classic doorway planters.

  • Compact, rounded shape 2-4 ft. tall and wide that holds its size
  • Evergreen leaves- they may take on a golden-bronze tint in cold winters, then green up in spring
  • Easy to shape into low hedges, topiaries and container plantings
  • Deer resistant and cold hardy in zones 5-9

Not all plants are created equal

The Difference Is in the Roots

Every plant we ship has grown in a nursery container with its roots protected, so it arrives healthy, established and ready to thrive in your yard.

A full, branched Nationwide Plants tree in a nursery pot next to a thin bare-root tree with exposed roots Ours: container grown Theirs: bare root
Nationwide Plants Other Nurseries
How it's grown Grown in a nursery container, roots protected the whole time Pulled or dug from the field, tearing fragile roots
How it arrives Arrives in its pot with soil intact Arrives bare root, exposed and drying out
Before shipping Growing naturally until it ships Held dormant in a cooler, then shocked by a hot shipping box
Root health Strong, well-developed roots with room to grow Crammed into a small pot until it's root bound
Height Measured from the top of the soil Often includes the pot and roots
After planting Settles in quickly with less transplant shock Arrives stressed and can take years to recover, if it does

The height you see is the height you plant.

We measure every plant from the top of the soil, not the bottom of the pot. Many nurseries include the pot and roots, so a "5–6 ft." tree from them might stand only 4 ft. tall once it's planted.

Comparisons reflect common practices across the online plant industry, not any single company.

Honest Measurements: Some nurseries measure plants including the pot and roots, so the plant you receive is much smaller than you expected. We measure all of our plants from the soil line, so the height you see is what you can expect after planting.

From our nursery to your door

How We Ship Your Plants

Every order is hand-selected, watered and carefully packed so it arrives healthy and ready to plant. Here's what happens after you place your order.

  1. Hand-Picked for You

    Our team selects the best plant available for your order. For privacy trees, that's the tallest and fullest. For fruit trees, it's the best branched.

    Why it matters: Many online nurseries ship whatever is next in the row.

  2. A Deep Drink Before the Trip

    Every plant gets a thorough watering right before it's packed, so it starts the journey fully hydrated.

  3. Roots Sealed In

    We wrap the pot and roots in plastic to lock in moisture, so your plant has water to drink all the way to your door.

    Why it matters: Bare-root plants are often shipped with their roots exposed and drying out.

  4. Braced for the Ride

    Cardboard inserts are secured inside every box to hold your plant in place, so it won't slide, tip or get damaged in transit.

  5. Shipped Only by FedEx

    We ship your trees exclusively with FedEx. We've found they deliver the fastest and handle live plants the most gently.

And if anything goes wrong, every plant is backed by our 1 Year Warranty.

Healthy Roots Make a Huge Difference

  • Never buy bare-root plants. These trees are starved of nutrients, and have a low survival rate.
  • Beware of nurseries cut corners by growing in small pots. These "rootbound" plants are weak, struggle to absorb nutrients, and die quickly after planting.
  • Some nurseries try to sell oversized plants, but chop off vital roots so they can cram the rootball into a narrow box to save on shipping!

You Want Winter Gem Boxwoods Grown by Experts

Some nurseries ship small, thin boxwoods grown in tiny pots to save money. These "root bound" plants struggle after planting and take much longer to fill in your hedge.

Nationwide Plants only sends you strong Winter Gem Boxwoods, selected and cared for by our plant experts, with healthy, developed root systems. That means they settle in quickly and start forming a full, tidy hedge sooner.

Read more about the Winter Gem Boxwood Shrub

Winter Gem Boxwood (Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Winter Gem')

Year-Round Evergreen Beauty with Exceptional Cold Hardiness

The Winter Gem Boxwood is an evergreen shrub known for its dense, lush foliage and excellent cold hardiness, making it a favorite for gardens across various climates. This versatile shrub offers a rich green color in spring and summer, transitioning to a golden-bronze hue in the winter before bouncing back to vibrant green in the warmer months. Its compact, rounded growth habit makes the Winter Gem Boxwood perfect for formal hedges, foundation plantings, or as an elegant border in any landscape. With its year-round beauty and easy-care nature, this shrub adds timeless charm and structure to any outdoor space.

Key Features:

  • Cold Hardy Evergreen: Maintains its dense, vibrant foliage through cold winters, with leaves transitioning to a golden-bronze tone in colder months.
  • Compact Growth Habit: Reaches a manageable height of 2-4 feet tall and wide, making it ideal for hedges, borders, and foundation plantings.
  • Low Maintenance: Slow-growing and easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning to maintain its naturally rounded shape.
  • Versatile Uses: Perfect for hedges, topiaries, borders, and container planting, offering year-round structure and greenery.
  • Thrives in Multiple Zones: Suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9, making it a hardy choice for various climates and regions.

Perfect for Low Hedges, Garden Borders, and Winter Interest

The Winter Gem Boxwood is a go-to choice for homeowners looking to create neat, well-defined borders or elegant, low hedges. Its compact size and rounded growth make it ideal for framing garden beds, walkways, or front yard landscapes. The shrub’s year-round foliage ensures that your garden retains a lush, green appearance even during the cold winter months when other plants may go dormant.

This boxwood also works beautifully as a formal foundation planting or as a container plant, where its dense, evergreen leaves provide texture and structure. Whether planted alone or as part of a symmetrical design, the Winter Gem Boxwood brings sophistication and seasonal interest to your garden.

Easy to Grow and Care For

The Winter Gem Boxwood is known for its easy-care nature and adaptability to a variety of growing conditions. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and is adaptable to various soil types, making it perfect for different landscape settings. Once established, this shrub is drought-tolerant and requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape. Occasional trimming in late spring or early summer will encourage denser growth and keep the shrub looking tidy.

Growing Tips:

  • Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade, adapting well to different lighting conditions.
  • Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish deep roots. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and only needs occasional watering during dry spells.
  • Soil: Prefers well-drained soil but can adapt to a variety of soil types, including clay and sandy soils.
  • Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage.
  • Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. Lightly prune in late spring to shape the shrub and remove any dead or damaged branches.

Why Choose Nationwide Plants?

At Nationwide Plants, we take pride in providing high-quality, well-established plants that are ready to thrive in your landscape. Our Winter Gem Boxwoods are carefully grown to ensure healthy root systems and vibrant foliage, ensuring they will establish quickly in your garden. With fast shipping and expert planting advice, we make it easy for you to enjoy the beauty of this exceptional evergreen shrub.

Add Year-Round Beauty with the Winter Gem Boxwood

If you're looking for a reliable, easy-care evergreen that offers year-round beauty and structure, the Winter Gem Boxwood is the perfect choice. Its dense, lush foliage, cold hardiness, and low-maintenance care make it an excellent addition to any garden, whether you’re creating hedges, borders, or foundation plantings.

Order your Winter Gem Boxwood today and enjoy fast delivery, healthy plants, and expert care from Nationwide Plants! Enhance your landscape with the timeless elegance of this hardy evergreen shrub.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Winter Gem Boxwood Shrub

How big does a Winter Gem Boxwood get?

A Winter Gem Boxwood grows about 2 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide with a naturally compact, rounded shape. It is slow growing, so it holds its size well, making it ideal for low hedges, borders, foundation plantings, and formal gardens that need tidy, year-round structure.

Does Winter Gem Boxwood stay green in winter?

Winter Gem Boxwood stays evergreen through winter, though in colder climates the leaves often take on a golden-bronze tint before returning to rich green in spring. Wrapping it in burlap or planting in a sheltered spot reduces winter leaf burn from harsh winds and sun.

What zones does Winter Gem Boxwood grow in?

Winter Gem Boxwood grows in USDA zones 5 through 9 and is known for excellent cold hardiness. Apply a fresh layer of mulch in late fall to insulate the roots, and consider a burlap wrap in exposed, windy locations in the colder part of its range.

How much sun does Winter Gem Boxwood need?

Winter Gem Boxwood grows in full sun to partial shade. It tolerates full sun, but in warmer climates a spot with some afternoon shade is ideal to prevent leaf scorch. Consistent light on all sides also helps a hedge grow evenly dense.

When should I prune Winter Gem Boxwood?

Prune Winter Gem Boxwood in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Light pruning keeps it dense and shapely, and you can lightly trim through the growing season to maintain crisp lines on hedges, topiaries, and formal borders.

How often should I water Winter Gem Boxwood?

Water Winter Gem Boxwood deeply about once a week during its first year, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged and never letting it dry out completely. Once established, it is moderately drought tolerant but performs best with deep watering every 7 to 10 days in dry spells.

Can Winter Gem Boxwood grow in pots?

Yes, Winter Gem Boxwood grows well in containers thanks to its compact, slow-growing habit, and it makes a classic choice for planters flanking a doorway. Use a pot with drainage holes and quality potting mix, and water regularly, since containers dry out faster than garden soil.

Is Winter Gem Boxwood deer resistant?

Yes, boxwood is well known for being deer resistant, and deer rarely browse Winter Gem Boxwood. This makes it a dependable evergreen for hedges and borders in areas where deer damage other shrubs, although no plant is completely deer-proof. Note that boxwood leaves are toxic to pets if eaten.

What pests and diseases affect Winter Gem Boxwood?

Winter Gem Boxwood can be affected by boxwood leafminer, mites, and fungal diseases such as boxwood blight. Space plants for good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and inspect regularly, treating pests promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil and using fungicides when needed.

Can Winter Gem Boxwood ship to my state?

Winter Gem Boxwood cannot be shipped to Arizona, Oregon, Pennsylvania, or Tennessee due to state plant shipping restrictions. Customers in other states can order it in 1, 3, or 5 gallon sizes for low hedges, garden borders, foundation plantings, and patio containers.
Back to top