A very hardy, naturally globe-shaped box forming a tight green ball with minimal clipping. Excellent for cold-climate low hedges, knot gardens and formal balls.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 60 cm H × 60 cm W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Green Gem Box
Botanically, Buxus sempervirens 'Green Gem' is a slow-growing shrub in the Buxaceae family. It reaches around 60 cm tall and 60 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage.
Where to grow Green Gem Box
Green Gem Box suits cool-temperate and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Green Gem Box does best in free-draining and clay soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 50 cm apart.
Watering & feeding
Green Gem Box is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Green Gem Box in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Green Gem Box in the garden
Green Gem Box earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge, clipping into topiary and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Green Gem Box with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
Note that it is toxic to cats and dogs, so site it away from pets that chew.
Buying Green Gem Box
Plant Sale lists Green Gem Box as potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.