Buxus x 'Green Gem'

Green Gem Boxwood

A low-growing, spreading boxwood valued for its exceptional cold hardiness and naturally prostrate habit. Foliage is rich green through the growing season and maintains good winter color, making it especially useful where traditional boxwoods struggle with exposure and cold.

Leaves are small and dense, forming a tight, carpet-like texture. Growth is slow to moderate, allowing the plant to maintain its shape with little to no pruning.

Growing Conditions



Light: Full sun to part shade



Soil: Moist, well-drained; adaptable to a range of soil types



Water: Average once established



Cold Hardiness: Excellent winter tolerance



Hardiness



USDA Zones: 5a–8b



Mature Size



Height: 1–2 ft



Width: 6–8 ft



Features



Prostrate, spreading growth habit



Excellent cold hardiness



Good winter color retention



Low-maintenance groundcover form



Landscape Uses



Groundcover and slope stabilization



Low borders and edging



Foundation plantings



Mass plantings and informal hedges



Why Growers Choose It



Unique spreading boxwood form



Extremely hardy for northern climates



Excellent substitute for evergreen groundcovers

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen

Height

3'

Width

3'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full sun to part shade

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Spring

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Attracts

Bees

Soil

Loamy well-drained, Sandy well-drained

Landscape use

Container, Foundation Plant, Hedge

Shape

Rounded

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No