{"product_id":"winter-gem-boxwood","title":"Winter Gem Boxwood  | Evergreen Shrub","description":"\u003ch2\u003eThe Gold Standard Cold-Hardy Boxwood\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinter Gem Boxwood\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eBuxus microphylla\u003c\/em\u003e 'Winter Gem') is one of the most widely planted and trusted boxwood varieties in North America — and for good reason. It holds its rich, deep green color through winter better than almost any other boxwood, resists the bronzing and bleaching that plagues lesser varieties in cold climates, and maintains a naturally dense, rounded form that requires minimal pruning to keep tidy. Whether you need a formal hedge, a topiary specimen, a foundation planting, or a container accent, Winter Gem delivers consistent, reliable performance year after year.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy Landscapers and Homeowners Choose Winter Gem\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExceptional winter color retention\u003c\/strong\u003e — stays rich green through cold winters; far less bronzing than other boxwood varieties in zones 5–6\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDense, naturally rounded form\u003c\/strong\u003e — compact growth habit requires minimal pruning to maintain a tidy mound shape\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTopiary and hedge-ready\u003c\/strong\u003e — responds beautifully to shearing; holds crisp edges for formal shapes and hedges\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDeer-resistant\u003c\/strong\u003e — the aromatic foliage deters deer browsing in most landscapes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDrought-tolerant once established\u003c\/strong\u003e — low water needs after the first growing season\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eContainer-friendly\u003c\/strong\u003e — thrives in pots for patios, entryways, and balconies; can overwinter outdoors in zones 6+\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHardiness \u0026amp; Growing Zones\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Hardiness Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5–9\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZones 5–6:\u003c\/strong\u003e One of the most cold-hardy boxwoods available; maintains green color through harsh winters better than most varieties; plant in a sheltered location with wind protection to minimize winter burn\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZones 7–8:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ideal conditions; vigorous growth with dense, year-round evergreen foliage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZone 9:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thrives with afternoon shade; avoid full western sun exposure in the hottest climates to prevent leaf scorch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to partial shade (partial shade preferred in zones 8–9 and in hot, dry climates)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.5–7.0); avoid waterlogged conditions, which can cause root rot\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4–6 ft tall × 4–6 ft wide if unpruned; easily maintained at any size with regular shearing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate (3–6 inches per year); faster in ideal conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePlanting \u0026amp; Care Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlant in well-drained soil with good air circulation — boxwoods are susceptible to root rot in poorly drained sites. Space 2–3 ft apart for a hedge, or 3–4 ft for individual specimens. Water deeply during the first growing season; once established, reduce frequency. Mulch 2–3 inches around the base (keeping mulch away from the trunk) to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Prune in late spring after new growth hardens off, or lightly in late summer. Avoid heavy pruning in fall, which can stimulate tender growth vulnerable to winter damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAvailable Sizes\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1 Gallon\u003c\/strong\u003e — most economical; ideal for mass planting or hedge projects\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e3 Gallon\u003c\/strong\u003e — well-established root system; faster to hedge or specimen size\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e5 Gallon\u003c\/strong\u003e — largest available; immediate landscape impact; ready to anchor a formal design\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Live Good Logistics","offers":[{"title":"5 Gallon","offer_id":52045253411096,"sku":"EVE-BOX-WGG-NA-5G","price":129.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"3 Gallon","offer_id":52045253443864,"sku":"EVE-BOX-WGG-NA-3G","price":99.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 Gallon","offer_id":52045666615576,"sku":"EVE-BOX-WGG-NA-1G","price":79.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1110\/4944\/files\/Winter-Gem-Boxwood.jpg?v=1778411378","url":"https:\/\/www.hendersongardensupply.com\/products\/winter-gem-boxwood","provider":"Henderson Garden Supply","version":"1.0","type":"link"}