Images Depict Mature Plants

Wintergreen Boxwood

Q: How tall and wide does Wintergreen Boxwood grow?

Wintergreen Boxwood (Buxus microphylla ‘Wintergreen’) typically matures to 3–4 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide, creating a naturally rounded, dense evergreen shrub. Its compact size makes it the perfect choice for low hedges, formal garden borders, and foundation plantings where year-round structure is essential. Unlike larger boxwood varieties, it holds a neat silhouette without constant pruning. This modest height and balanced width mean Wintergreen Boxwood fits beautifully in small yards, entry gardens, and container plantings, delivering classic boxwood appeal without overwhelming the space. Whether planted as a single specimen or in a uniform hedge, it provides a lush, deep-green backdrop through every season.

Q: How fast does Wintergreen Boxwood grow?

Wintergreen Boxwood is known for a slow to moderate growth rate, typically adding 2–4 inches of new growth per year once established. While it may not shoot up quickly, its steady pace ensures a dense, well-branched habit ideal for formal hedges and sculpted shapes. This slower growth means less frequent pruning and easier long-term maintenance. Because it is both cold-hardy (Zones 4–9) and adaptable to full sun or partial shade, Wintergreen Boxwood establishes reliably and maintains its rich green foliage even in winter. With consistent watering and an early-spring application of slow-release fertilizer, you can expect healthy annual growth while preserving its classic, compact form.

Q: How far apart should I plant Wintergreen Boxwood for a hedge?

For a dense, continuous hedge, plant Wintergreen Boxwood 2–3 feet apart on center. This spacing allows the shrubs to grow together within a few seasons, creating a seamless evergreen border. For a slightly more open, airy look—or to allow more air circulation in humid climates—space plants 3–4 feet apart. Proper spacing not only gives each shrub room to reach its mature 3–4 foot width but also helps prevent disease and promotes strong root development. Whether you’re creating a privacy hedge, walkway border, or formal garden outline, thoughtful spacing ensures your hedge will remain lush, uniform, and healthy for years.

Q: When and how should I prune Wintergreen Boxwood?

Prune Wintergreen Boxwood in late spring or early summer, once the first flush of new growth has matured. Begin by removing any dead, damaged, or crossing branches, then lightly shear or hand-clip to achieve the desired shape. Its naturally dense foliage responds well to gentle trimming, making it a top choice for formal hedges, knot gardens, and topiary designs. Avoid heavy pruning in late summer or fall, as tender new shoots need time to harden before winter. For best results, use clean, sharp pruning tools and make small, even cuts to maintain the shrub’s elegant outline. With proper timing and technique, Wintergreen Boxwood will keep its deep green color and tight form all year long.

Q: Is Wintergreen Boxwood deer-resistant and low-maintenance?

Yes. Wintergreen Boxwood is widely recognized as deer-resistant, thanks to its dense, aromatic foliage that deer tend to avoid. This natural deterrence makes it an excellent choice for suburban and rural landscapes where browsing is a persistent challenge. While no plant is completely deer-proof, Wintergreen Boxwood reliably holds its rich green foliage even in high deer-traffic areas. Beyond deer resistance, it’s also a low-maintenance evergreen once established. Hardy in USDA Zones 4–9, it tolerates a range of soils, adapts to both full sun and partial shade, and requires only occasional pruning to maintain its shape. Its combination of cold hardiness, drought tolerance, and year-round color makes it one of the most dependable boxwoods for home gardens and professional landscapes alike.

Buxus sinica var. japonica 'Wintergreen'

Wintergreen Boxwood is a favorite go-to evergreen shrub for a dependable, year-round hedge. Its rich green color holds strong even in the coldest months, and its naturally dense growth means you can shear it into crisp, formal lines or let it stay softly rounded with very little effort. Plant a row along a walkway or use it as the backbone of a classic garden design—you’ll appreciate how it keeps the landscape looking polished in every season.

$22.95 USD $26.95 USD

1 Gallon Pot

3 Gallon Pot

Single

10-Pack

Low Stock: Remaining

Quantity

- +

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Delay shipping by leaving us a message at Checkout.

Woodies Root Booster Fertilizer

Woodies Select 4-4-4 Organic Fertilizer

DeWitt Dew Right Tree Watering Donut

Soil Soaker Hose

Wintergreen Boxwood – Hardy Evergreen for Classic Hedges and Borders

Timeless beauty for every landscape.
The Wintergreen Boxwood (Buxus microphylla ‘Wintergreen’) is a versatile evergreen shrub prized for its dense, small-leaf foliage and deep green color that lasts through every season—even the coldest winter. Its classic, tidy appearance makes it a staple for formal hedges, foundation plantings, and elegant borders. Whether you’re designing a traditional knot garden or looking for an understated accent along walkways, Wintergreen Boxwood adds year-round sophistication.

Low-maintenance and cold-hardy.
Hardy in USDA Zones 4–9, Wintergreen Boxwood is an excellent choice for a wide range of climates. Once established, it tolerates both full sun and partial shade and is remarkably adaptable to different soil types, provided they are well-drained. Unlike some other boxwoods, this variety retains its vibrant dark green foliage even through harsh winters, eliminating the bronzing that can occur in cold weather.

Perfect for hedges and topiary.
Its naturally dense growth habit and slow, steady growth rate make it ideal for shearing into low hedges, rounded mounds, or formal geometric shapes. Plant multiple shrubs 2–3 feet apart to create a lush, evergreen privacy screen, or use single plants in containers and entryway planters for an elegant statement. Wintergreen Boxwood responds beautifully to regular light pruning, allowing you to maintain crisp edges and refined shapes with minimal effort.

Durable and deer-resistant.
This boxwood is valued not only for its looks but also for its toughness. Once established, it is drought tolerant and resists browsing by deer—making it a reliable evergreen for suburban gardens and rural landscapes alike. Whether you’re creating a formal garden, a modern landscape, or simply adding structure to a mixed border, Wintergreen Boxwood delivers classic style with easy care.

Growzone: 4-9

Hardiness Zone:	4-9
Mature Height:	2 to 4 Feet; less if trimmed
Mature Width:	3 to 4 Feet; less if trimmed
Classification:	Evergreen shrub
Sunlight:	Partial to full sun
Habit:	Evergreen, dense foliage
Flower Color:	Inconspicuous
Foliage:	New growth emerges bright green changing to dark green
Soil Condition:	Any well drained soil
Water Requirements:	Water well until established

How to Care for Wintergreen Boxwood

Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Wintergreen Boxwood for years to come!

How do I plant Wintergreen Boxwood?

Begin by selecting a spot that receives full sun to partial shade and has well-drained soil, since boxwoods dislike standing water. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, loosening the soil to encourage quick root penetration. Position the plant so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil, then backfill with the amended soil and water thoroughly to settle it. Finish by applying a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base, taking care to keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. Mulch helps regulate soil temperature and conserve moisture while reducing weeds. For best results, plant in early spring or early fall when temperatures are moderate and root growth is active.

How often should I water after planting?

During the first growing season, deeply water once or twice a week to help the roots establish. Adjust frequency based on weather—more often in hot, dry spells and less when rainfall is steady. Deep watering encourages strong root growth, which leads to better long-term drought tolerance. After the first year, supplemental watering is needed only during extended dry periods. Established Wintergreen Boxwoods can handle moderate drought, but a slow soak during prolonged dry weather will keep the foliage vibrant and healthy.

When and how should I fertilize Wintergreen Boxwood?

Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for broadleaf evergreens. Apply the fertilizer evenly around the drip line—not directly against the trunk—and water thoroughly so nutrients penetrate the soil. This promotes lush growth and maintains the rich, deep green color. If your soil is poor or sandy, consider a light second feeding in midsummer, but avoid late-season fertilizing. New growth stimulated too late may not harden off before winter and can be damaged by frost. Regular soil testing every few years helps fine-tune your fertilizer schedule.

How do I prune Wintergreen Boxwood?

Lightly prune in late spring or early summer to maintain the desired shape, whether that’s a tight hedge or a rounded specimen. Remove stray or crossing branches first, then shear gently for uniformity. Always use clean, sharp shears to avoid tearing foliage and introducing disease. Avoid heavy pruning in late summer or fall because tender new shoots need time to harden off before winter. If you wish to rejuvenate an older plant, spread the work over two or three seasons, thinning interior branches a bit each year to allow light and air into the center.