Winter Gem Boxwood — Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Winter Gem'

Winter Gem Boxwood (Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Winter Gem') provides year-round structure with small, bright green evergreen leaves and a neat form suited to hedges, foundation beds and clipped topiary.

Foliage can develop gold-bronze tones in cold winter weather before returning to green in spring. Grow in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil.

Growing details

• Plant type: Evergreen shrub
• Listed height and spread: 4–6 feet tall and wide
• Spacing: Approximately 5 feet apart
• USDA hardiness zones: 5–9
• Light: Full sun to part sun
• Soil: Well-drained
• Foliage: Bright green with possible gold-bronze winter tones
• Season of interest: Year-round
• Cultivar: 'Winter Gem'

Care and garden use

This low-maintenance shrub tolerates drought once established. Provide good drainage and allow room for its listed mature spread. Temporary winter bronzing can be a natural seasonal response, with foliage returning to green in spring.

Use as an accent, in groups, along borders, in woodland gardens or foundation plantings, as a hedge, or in suitably sized containers. Pair with gayfeather, spirea or azalea where growing conditions suit each plant.

Read more in our Winter Gem Boxwood care blog.

Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.