Boxwood 'Winter Gem'
Boxwood ‘Winter Gem’ is a popular evergreen shrub prized for its year-round beauty and easy maintenance. With its dense, glossy green foliage and naturally rounded shape, it provides a classic look to any landscape. This variety is especially favored for formal gardens, low hedges, and foundation plantings.
One of the standout features of the ‘Winter Gem’ is its cold-hardiness. Unlike some boxwood varieties, the ‘Winter Gem’ retains its vibrant green color even through harsh winters, living up to its name. In spring and summer, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to different soil types, provided there is good drainage.
Low-maintenance and slow-growing, ‘Winter Gem’ is perfect for shaping and pruning into clean lines or soft curves. Whether used as a border, accent plant, or in containers, it brings structure and visual interest to gardens all year long. Its resilience and beauty make it a reliable choice for both new and experienced gardeners.
Boxwood ‘Winter Gem’ typically grows to a compact size, reaching about 2 to 3 feet in height and 2 to 4 feet in width when fully mature. Its slow growth rate makes it an excellent choice for smaller spaces, while still providing a dense, bushy appearance. This manageable size allows it to fit seamlessly into a variety of landscapes, whether as a low hedge, border plant, or accent piece in garden beds and containers. Regular pruning can help maintain its shape and size, ensuring it stays neat and proportional over time.
Planting: Choose a sunny to partially shaded location with well-drained, fertile soil. Space plants 18–24 inches apart to ensure proper air circulation and to allow them to grow naturally.
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging. Once established, ‘Winter Gem’ is somewhat drought-tolerant but benefits from regular watering during hot summer months.
Pruning: Prune in early spring or late fall to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged wood. Light trimming throughout the year will help keep the plant dense and tidy, but avoid heavy pruning, as this may damage the plant’s natural form.
Pest Control: ‘Winter Gem’ is generally pest-resistant. Regular inspection and prompt treatment with an insecticidal soap can keep these at bay.
Soil Tips: This shrub thrives in a variety of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils, as long as they are well-drained. While adaptable, it prefers consistently moist soil for optimal growth, so ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
