Southern Living Plant Collection Baby Gem Boxwood
Best compact evergreen for simple garden borders
This compact, evergreen shrub offers a dense, rounded form that requires minimal pruning, making it a perfect choice for structured borders or container gardens. It provides reliable, year-round greenery that stands up to heat, drought, and deer, ensuring a polished look with very little effort.
$19.98
Who it's for
- Homeowners seeking low-maintenance greenery for small garden spaces
- Gardeners wanting consistent curb appeal across all four seasons
- Landscape designers creating structured borders or elegant patio accents
Who should skip it
- Impatient planters looking for immediate privacy or large-scale coverage
- Property owners with clay-heavy soil or areas prone to standing water
- People needing tall privacy hedges to block out neighbors
Performance breakdown
Maintenance Ease
Naturally rounded habit eliminates the need for frequent, tedious pruning.
Year-Round Appeal
Dense, glossy emerald foliage provides consistent structure through every season.
Deer Resistance
Reliably deters browsing animals, protecting your landscape investment from damage.
Environmental Adaptability
Thrives in diverse climates with impressive heat and drought tolerance.
Versatility
Perfectly sized for formal hedges, borders, or compact container gardening.
Growth Predictability
Compact, uniform growth ensures a tidy look without aggressive spreading.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Buxus microphylla japonica 'Gregem'
Mature Height
4 feet
Mature Spread
5 feet
Hardiness Zones
5-9
Sun Exposure
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Needs
Moderate
Deer Resistant
Yes
Drought Tolerant
Yes
Evergreen
Yes
Know before you buy
Still have a question?
Ask Metto anything about the Southern Living Plant Collection Baby Gem Boxwood before you decide.