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Baby Gem™ Boxwood
Buxus microphylla japonica 'Gregem' PP21159
Baby Gem Boxwood shrubs offer a compact, rounded form and dense evergreen foliage, making them perfect for low hedges, borders, and foundation plantings. These deer-resistant, low-maintenance shrubs thrive in full sun to partial shade, providing year-round structure and beauty to any landscape.
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Baby Gem Boxwood Shrubs for Sale Online
Baby Gem Boxwood (Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Baby Gem') is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its small, glossy green leaves and rounded form. Growing up to 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, this low-maintenance shrub is perfect for creating neat hedges, borders, or as a foundation planting in your garden. Its dense growth habit and year-round color make it a popular choice for both formal and informal landscapes. Baby Gem Boxwood is an excellent alternative to larger boxwood varieties for smaller garden spaces or container plantings.
Thriving in full sun to partial shade, Baby Gem Boxwood adapts well to a variety of soil types as long as it is well-drained. This hardy shrub is ideal for USDA zones 5-9, making it a versatile choice for different climates. It also tolerates pruning, allowing you to shape it into tidy hedges or use it as a sculptural element in your garden. With its compact size and ability to retain its color throughout the year, Baby Gem Boxwood adds structure and elegance to any landscape, from traditional to contemporary.
In addition to its beauty, Baby Gem Boxwood is both drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, making it an easy-care option for busy gardeners. Regular watering during the first growing season helps establish strong roots, but once established, this shrub requires minimal maintenance. Whether used as a low-growing hedge, a formal garden border, or an accent in container plantings, Baby Gem Boxwood brings timeless appeal and enduring beauty to your outdoor space.
| Hardiness Zone: | 5-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 3 feet / less if trimmed |
| Mature Width: | 3 feet / less if trimmed |
| Classification: | Evergreen Shrub |
| Sunlight: | Partial to Full Sun |
| Habit: | Evergreen, dense rounded shape |
| 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 Baby Gem™ Boxwood
Before you buy an Baby Gem Boxwood, make sure to read about the recommended care instructions to keep this plant healthy and thriving.
How do I Plant A Baby Gem Boxwood?
To plant a Baby Gem Boxwood, start by selecting a location with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. This boxwood thrives in both sunny and shaded areas, but be sure the soil drains well to avoid root rot. Begin by digging a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Place the shrub in the hole with the top of the root ball level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down gently to eliminate air pockets, and water thoroughly to help the plant settle. Adding a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant will help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, but avoid piling mulch against the trunk to prevent rot. For hedges or mass plantings, space your Baby Gem Boxwood plants about 2 to 3 feet apart to allow them to grow into a dense, uniform hedge. During the first growing season, water your boxwood regularly, especially in hot or dry conditions, to establish a strong root system. Once established, Baby Gem Boxwood is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. Regular pruning in late winter or early spring helps maintain the shrub’s compact, rounded shape. With proper planting and care, your Baby Gem Boxwood will thrive, providing year-round structure and lush greenery to your landscape.
How do I Water Baby Gem Boxwood Shrubs?
To properly water Baby Gem Boxwood shrubs, ensure that the soil stays consistently moist, especially during the first growing season as the plant establishes its root system. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions, focusing on the root zone rather than the foliage. Make sure to water early in the day to allow any excess moisture on the leaves to dry, preventing fungal diseases. Using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system is ideal for Baby Gem Boxwood, as it delivers water directly to the roots, promoting healthier growth. Once established, Baby Gem Boxwood becomes more drought-tolerant, requiring less frequent watering. During dry spells or extremely hot weather, check the top 2-3 inches of soil; if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil drains well and avoid letting the plant sit in waterlogged soil. Mulching around the base of the shrub helps retain moisture and reduce the frequency of watering, while also keeping the roots cool during summer. Proper watering will keep your Baby Gem Boxwood lush, green, and healthy all year round.
How do I Fertilize Baby Gem Boxwood Shrubs?
To fertilize Baby Gem Boxwood shrubs, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, in early spring before new growth begins. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the base of the shrub, being careful to avoid direct contact with the trunk to prevent root burn. After applying, water thoroughly to help the nutrients penetrate the soil and reach the roots. Fertilizing once a year in early spring is typically sufficient for Baby Gem Boxwood, as it provides the necessary nutrients to promote healthy foliage and vigorous growth throughout the season. For gardeners preferring an organic approach, compost or well-rotted manure can be used to fertilize Baby Gem Boxwood. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of compost around the base of the shrub in early spring, allowing it to naturally break down and enrich the soil. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as too much nitrogen can encourage excessive foliage growth at the expense of the plant's dense, compact form. Proper fertilization helps maintain the boxwood’s vibrant green color, promotes strong root development, and ensures the shrub thrives in your landscape.
How Do I Prune Baby Gem Boxwood Shrubs?
To prune Baby Gem Boxwood shrubs, begin by trimming them in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. This timing ensures that the plant has plenty of time to recover and encourages dense, healthy foliage. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. For shaping, lightly trim the outermost branches to maintain the shrub’s naturally rounded form. If you’re growing Baby Gem Boxwood as a hedge, make sure to trim the sides and top evenly to maintain a uniform appearance. Pruning can also be done in late spring or early summer if the shrub has grown too large or needs reshaping. Be careful not to prune too late in the season, as this can stimulate new growth that may be damaged by frost. Baby Gem Boxwood is a slow-growing shrub, so avoid over-pruning to maintain its dense, compact shape. Regular light pruning not only helps keep the shrub tidy but also encourages fuller, more lush growth, making your Baby Gem Boxwood an attractive and low-maintenance addition to your landscape year-round.
