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Baby Gem Boxwood – Compact, Deer-Resistant Evergreen for Low Hedges & Borders
Compact evergreen with classic boxwood style.
The Baby Gem Boxwood (Buxus microphylla ‘Baby Gem’) is the ideal low-growing evergreen hedge plant for creating formal borders, knot gardens, and foundation plantings. Naturally mounded and slow-growing, it matures to a neat 2–3 feet tall and wide, delivering year-round structure without constant shearing.
Rich green color in every season.
This deer-resistant dwarf boxwood maintains its deep, glossy foliage in vibrant condition throughout both hot summers and cold winters. Unlike some boxwoods that bronze in winter, Baby Gem remains richly green year-round, providing your landscape with a four-season backbone for classic garden design.
Low-maintenance and versatile.
Hardy in USDA Zones 5–9, Baby Gem thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts to a range of well-drained soils. Its slow growth rate means less frequent pruning while maintaining a dense, formal look, making it perfect for small gardens, patio planters, or elegant parterre layouts.
A timeless, reliable choice for any landscape.
Whether edging a walkway, framing a patio, or forming a low privacy hedge, Baby Gem Boxwood provides year-round color, natural deer resistance, and minimal maintenance. It’s a dependable evergreen shrub that blends classic charm with modern ease of care.

Hardiness Zone: | 5-9 |
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Mature Height: | 2 to 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 Baby Gem Boxwood for a low hedge or border?
Choose a site with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Dig holes twice as wide as the root ball and space plants 2–3 feet apart for a dense, formal hedge. Set the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil, backfill halfway, water thoroughly to settle, then finish filling and water again. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it a few inches from the trunk to protect the crown. Plant in spring or early fall so roots can establish before extreme summer heat or winter cold.

How often should I water Baby Gem Boxwood after planting?
During the first growing season, water deeply once or twice a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Consistent moisture encourages deep root development and supports the plant’s dense evergreen foliage. Once established, Baby Gem Boxwood is moderately drought-tolerant, requiring supplemental watering only during extended dry periods. A steady mulch layer helps conserve soil moisture and keeps roots cool in summer.

When and how should I fertilize Baby Gem Boxwood?
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release shrub fertilizer to promote healthy foliage and steady growth. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the drip line and water thoroughly to move nutrients into the soil. A single annual feeding is typically enough to maintain the shrub’s rich green color and compact form, ensuring it continues to enhance your landscape year after year.

Do Baby Gem Boxwoods need regular pruning to stay neat?
This variety naturally maintains a dense, rounded shape, so only light pruning is needed. In late spring or early summer, after the first flush of growth, lightly shear or hand-prune to refine the outline or maintain formal hedge lines. Avoid heavy pruning into old wood since boxwoods do not regenerate from bare stems. With occasional light trimming, your formal evergreen border or knot garden will stay crisp and elegant.