Evergreen Shrub – Baby Gem Boxwood

Baby gem boxwood

 Botanical name: buxux microphylla 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: about 4 ft in height with a spread of 4-5 ft 

Hardy zone:  zones 5-9 

Foliage color:  green, orange, gold 

Growth rate:  grows about 6 inches per year 

Pruning instructions: lightly prune as needed throughout the spring and summer 

Propagation methods:  propagate with cuttings in the spring or fall months 

Landscape use:  borders, edging, hedge, container plant, mass planting 

Light needs: 4-6 hours of sun per day 

Special features: compact size, deer resistant, pest resistant 

Watering instructions: allow the first 1-2 inches of soil to dry between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions :  use a slow-release fertilizer once a year in the early spring 

Best time to plant:  spring or fall

Best type of soil: loam 

Companion plants: hostas, azaleas, liriope, butterfly bush 

Toxicity level: highly toxic for pets if ingested and moderately toxic for humans if ingested 

Invasive species: no