Winter Gem Boxwood
Best low-maintenance evergreen for structured hedges and container gardening.
The Winter Gem Boxwood is a versatile evergreen shrub, ideal for USDA Zones 5-9. It features dense, attractive foliage that can turn golden in winter. This plant responds well to shearing, making it perfect for formal hedges, foundation plantings, or shaped into spheres and cubes. Left untrimmed, it grows into a natural hedge, offering a fine texture that contrasts well with larger-leaved plants. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, requiring low maintenance once established. Its compact growth habit makes it suitable for containers and small spaces.
$68.85
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
34
/ 2598
#34 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
+75%
Above average
Plant Type
Evergreen Shrub
/ Evergreen Shrub
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking vibrant foliage during bleak winter months
- Landscapers designing formal hedges or sophisticated container displays
- Busy homeowners wanting low-maintenance, drought-tolerant greenery
Who should skip it
- Impatient gardeners wanting immediate, full-grown privacy hedges
- Risk-averse planters worried about managing fungal blight outbreaks
- Gardeners with heavy, poorly draining clay soil conditions
Performance breakdown
Topiary Versatility
Dense foliage structure makes it ideal for precise, formal shaping.
Climate Adaptability
Exceptional tolerance across a wide range of USDA hardiness zones.
Maintenance Ease
Requires minimal attention once the root system is fully established.
Pest Resistance
Natural deer resistance provides peace of mind for garden landscapes.
Container Suitability
Compact growth habit thrives perfectly in pots and small spaces.
Visual Texture
Fine leaves offer a sophisticated contrast against larger-leaved garden plants.
Key Specs
Plant Type
Evergreen Shrub
Height at Maturity
3-5'
Width at Maturity
3-5'
Growth Rate
Slow to Moderate
USDA Cold Hardiness Zones
5a-9b
Sun Needs
Full Sun or Part Shade
Soil Type
Clay, Loam, Sandy, Silty
Soil Moisture / Drainage
Moist But Well-Drained
Features
- Exceptionally cold and heat-hardy
- Dense, attractive, small-leaved foliage
- Responds very well to shearing for formal hedges
- Can be grown in containers and clipped into shapes
- Excellent for spaced groupings or a natural hedge
- Fine texture contrasts with larger-leaved plants
- Low maintenance
- Deer resistant
What customers say
Customers consistently express high satisfaction with the Winter Gem Boxwood from Wilson Bros Gardens, primarily praising the exceptional quality of the plants upon arrival. Reviewers frequently note the robust health, vibrant appearance, and secure packaging, ensuring successful establishment. The boxwoods are celebrated for their hardiness and reliable performance, thriving well after planting and maintaining their attractive form through various seasons. This consistent quality and dependable growth underscore a strong sense of value.
Know before you buy
At maturity, this shrub typically reaches a height and width of 3 to 5 feet. Its slow to moderate growth rate makes it easy to manage in smaller spaces or containers.
Yes, the Winter Gem is known for its attractive, dense foliage that often takes on a golden hue during the winter. It remains evergreen throughout the year, providing consistent color in your landscape.
The Winter Gem is an excellent choice for containers due to its compact growth habit. Ensure your pot has adequate drainage and is large enough to accommodate its root system as it matures.
This boxwood responds very well to shearing, making it ideal for formal hedges or geometric shapes like spheres and cubes. For a formal look, plan to trim it periodically during the growing season to maintain your desired shape.
The Winter Gem is considered deer resistant, which makes it a reliable choice for landscapes where deer pressure is a concern. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, this variety is rarely a target for browsing.
This shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It is highly adaptable and can grow in various soil types, including clay, loam, sandy, and silty soils.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$69