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Green Velvet Boxwood

Q: How big does Green Velvet Boxwood get?

Green Velvet Boxwood is a compact evergreen shrub that typically grows to 2–4 feet tall and wide at maturity. Its naturally rounded, dense growth habit makes it one of the most popular boxwood cultivars for small-space gardens, walkways, and foundation borders. Because it maintains a tight, globe-like form with minimal pruning, Green Velvet is a go-to choice for homeowners looking for a low-maintenance evergreen hedge or border shrub that won’t outgrow its space.

Q: How fast does Green Velvet Boxwood grow each year?

Green Velvet Boxwood has a slow to moderate growth rate, averaging 3–6 inches of new growth per year. While it’s not a fast-growing shrub, its steady pace ensures that it maintains a dense, uniform shape without frequent pruning. This growth habit is especially valuable in formal landscapes, knot gardens, and foundation plantings where symmetry and structure are important. Over time, it forms a lush, compact hedge that’s easy to manage.

Q: Can Green Velvet Boxwood survive winter in cold climates?

Yes—Green Velvet Boxwood is one of the most cold-hardy boxwood varieties, thriving in USDA Zones 4–9. Unlike some other boxwoods that may suffer from winter burn, Green Velvet holds its deep green color year-round, even in harsh northern winters. For added protection in extreme cold, gardeners can apply anti-desiccant sprays, burlap wraps, or mulching around the root zone. This makes Green Velvet a reliable evergreen shrub for areas where winter damage is a concern.

Q: How does Green Velvet Boxwood compare to Wintergreen Boxwood?

Green Velvet Boxwood is a cold-hardy cultivar best suited for northern climates, while Wintergreen Boxwood thrives in slightly warmer regions (Zones 5–9). Green Velvet has a rounded, globe-like habit, while Wintergreen tends to be more upright and open in form. For gardeners in colder zones looking for a formal evergreen hedge or compact border, Green Velvet is often the better choice. Wintergreen, however, is an excellent option for larger hedges and slightly faster growth in moderate climates.

Q: What are the best uses for Green Velvet Boxwood in landscaping?

Green Velvet Boxwood is highly versatile, making it perfect for low hedges, walkway borders, foundation plantings, knot gardens, and formal landscape designs. Its compact size and naturally rounded habit give it a polished, elegant look with minimal pruning. It’s also popular for container plantings and small garden accents, where its evergreen foliage provides structure year-round. Because it’s deer-resistant and cold-hardy, it adapts well to a wide range of climates and garden styles.

Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Grejade'

“The Green Velvet Boxwood has long been of my favorite choices for formal hedges and borders because of its dense, naturally rounded habit and its ability to hold a rich green color all year long. It’s cold-hardy, low-maintenance, and deer-resistant, making it one of the most dependable boxwoods you can grow. Whether you’re looking for a neat walkway border, a tidy foundation shrub, or a small formal hedge, Green Velvet Boxwood delivers lasting beauty with minimal care.”

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Green Velvet Boxwood – Compact, Cold-Hardy Evergreen Hedge Shrub

A compact evergreen classic.
The Green Velvet Boxwood (Buxus ‘Green Velvet’) is a beloved compact evergreen shrub with a naturally rounded growth habit and dense, glossy green foliage. Designed for versatility, it offers a polished, formal appearance that complements hedges, borders, and foundation plantings beautifully. Its tidy, globe-like shape makes it one of the most popular boxwoods for both modern and traditional landscapes.

Cold-hardy and resilient.
Unlike many boxwood varieties, Green Velvet is especially cold-hardy, thriving in Zones 4–9. Its dense foliage holds its deep green color year-round, even through harsh winters. This makes it a top choice for gardeners in northern climates seeking an evergreen shrub that provides year-round structure and color without risk of winter burn.

Perfect for formal landscapes.
Green Velvet Boxwood is ideal for low hedges along walkways, borders in formal gardens, or as a tidy accent around entryways and patios. Its naturally rounded habit requires minimal pruning to maintain shape, though it responds well to shearing if a crisp formal look is desired. With its compact size, it’s easy to design into both small urban gardens and expansive landscapes.

Low-maintenance and deer-resistant.
Green Velvet is a low-maintenance shrub that requires little more than occasional trimming and deep watering during dry spells. Its deer resistance, evergreen color, and tolerance of both full sun and partial shade make it one of the most reliable boxwood varieties available. If you’re looking for a durable evergreen hedge or border shrub, Green Velvet Boxwood is a smart and long-lasting investment.

Growzone: 4-9

Hardiness Zone:	4-9
Mature Height:	3 to 4 Feet
Mature Width:	3 to 4 Feet
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 Green Velvet Boxwood

Green Velvet Boxwood care and planting guide for foundation plantings

How do I plant Green Velvet Boxwood shrubs?

Choose a site with well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the shrub so the root ball is level with the soil line, backfill halfway, water well, then finish filling and water again. For a hedge, space plants 2–3 feet apart to allow them to form a dense, seamless border. Apply a 2–3 inch mulch layer around the base to help conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Avoid planting in waterlogged soil, as boxwoods dislike standing water.

How often should I water Green Velvet Boxwood after planting?

During the first growing season, water deeply 1–2 times per week until established, especially during hot or dry weather. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to encourage strong root development. Once established, Green Velvet Boxwood is moderately drought-tolerant, requiring only occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells. A consistent mulch layer will help maintain moisture and reduce watering frequency.

When and how should I fertilize Green Velvet Boxwood?

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreen shrubs. Apply evenly around the drip line and water in well. Fertilizing encourages strong root growth and lush green foliage throughout the growing season. Avoid heavy fertilizing late in the season, as this can stimulate tender new growth susceptible to frost damage. A single spring feeding is typically all that’s needed for healthy growth.

Do Green Velvet Boxwood shrubs need pruning?

Green Velvet naturally maintains a rounded, compact form, but it can be pruned to create a more formal hedge or tight globe shape. Light trimming in late spring or summer is usually sufficient to maintain density and appearance. For formal designs, shear lightly and regularly to maintain crisp lines. For natural borders, allow Green Velvet to grow with minimal pruning—it will still maintain an attractive globe-like habit.