Plant field guide
Boxwood (Baby Gem)
An ultra-compact dwarf boxwood with tiny, dense leaves forming a naturally rounded shape. Perfect for small hedges, edging, and containers. Slow-growing and very manageable.
Growing requirements
- Scientific name
- Buxus microphylla 'Gregem'
- Sun
- partial shade
- Water
- moderate
- Height
- 12 in (30 cm) – 24 in (61 cm)
- Spread
- 12 in (30 cm) – 24 in (61 cm)
- Spacing
- Not recorded
- Hardiness zones & minimum temperature
- USDA 5–9; average annual extreme minimum from -20°F (-28.9°C). Hardiness does not predict local frost dates.
- Difficulty
- easy
Planting & seasonal timing
Northern Hemisphere planting months: not yet verified in our database.
Northern Hemisphere pruning months: June.
For the Southern Hemisphere, these seasonal windows shift approximately six months. Check your local frost forecast, soil temperature, and species requirements; calendar months are not a guarantee of planting safety.
One of the smallest boxwoods available. Excellent for miniature hedges and parterre gardens. Good blight resistance. Minimal pruning needed due to naturally compact form.
Pruning
Light shearing once a year to maintain tight form. Rarely needs pruning.
Fertilizer
Balanced evergreen fertilizer
Early spring
Mulch
2 inches of organic mulch.