Baby Gem™ Boxwood

Boxwoods are garden essentials, for smaller hedges, and as clipped specimens. When it comes to choosing the right boxwood variety, it can be a tricky task. If you use a larger variety, it will grow quickly to the size you want, but need a lot of clipping to keep it that way. If you choose a smaller variety, it may take a very long time to reach the size you want. The Baby Gem Boxwood is the answer to that problem. It has very dense growth, so it always looks neat, and needs less clipping to keep it that way. But it grows significantly faster than other dwarf boxwoods, so it reaches the size you want sooner. Nothing could be better!

This unique plant is ideal for any situation where you want a smaller, very dense boxwood needed less-frequent clipping. Our stock will soon be depleted by knowledgeable gardeners, so order now while we can still satisfy your order. You won’t regret growing this exceptional plant.

Growing Baby Gem Boxwoods

The Baby Gem Boxwood grows naturally into a rounded shrub about 4 feet tall, and the same or a little more across. Although most people clip their boxwood plants, they make lovely, more informal evergreens if left to grow naturally. That way you have less gardening work, and a more relaxed look to your garden. You can of course also clip them into a variety of forms, from balls to cones, and other simple geometric shapes.

For hedges, plant the Baby Gem Boxwood in a row. For hedges under two feet tall, plant 9 or 12 inches apart, with the closer spacing for lower hedges. For a hedge up to 4 feet tall, plant 18 inches apart. Clip two or three times a year, as the hedge develops, always leaving the upper part narrower than the lower part, to keep the foliage dense right to the ground. Once you reach the height you want, the beauty of this variety is that you will only need to clip once or twice a year, because the naturally dense growth will keep your hedge looking perfect much longer.

Planting Conditions and Hardiness

The Baby Gem Boxwood will grow in full sun or partial shade. It is hardier than the English Boxwood, and it will grow well even in zone 4, with winter lows reaching minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit. It grows just as well all the way into zone 9, so wherever you garden, you can use this plant. It grows in most types of soil, if they are well-drained. Boxwood have shallow roots, so use a mulch over the root system to conserve moisture and prevent root damage from cultivation. Keep mulch a couple of inches away from the stems and don’t cover the lower foliage.

In spring, feed your Baby Gem Boxwood with a hedge food – in a liquid form for young plant, and granular for older plants. Cover all the root area when feeding. Boxwood can suffer from some pests or diseases, but plants that are fertilized and well-cared for are much less prone to them, and clipping plants regularly also removes some major pests. Deer normally leave boxwood completely alone, so that is one pest you won’t need to worry about.

Trimming and Maintenance

Allow new spring growth to develop before the first clip of the season. Do not clip before the average date of the last frost in your area, as this can expose the plants to cold damage. As well, don’t clip late in fall, as this can stimulate late new growth, that can be damaged in winter. The best clipping months are May, June and September.

History and Origins of the Baby Gem Boxwood

Japanese boxwood, Buxus microphylla var. japonica, grows wild in Japan and on the island of Taiwan. It is a hardy form of boxwood that is more suitable for American conditions than the English Boxwood. As well as staying green during cold weather more reliably, it has smaller leaves, and quickly develops a very dense look, with less clipping needed. There are many selected dwarf forms of this plant, and a popular older variety is called ‘Winter Gem’.

In 2002 Rodrigo Moreno and Scott Maxwell were looking at some plants of that variety growing in a nursery in El Campo, Texas. They noticed a branch on one plant that had very small leaves and very dense growth. They took some cuttings and grew the rooted plants, and they found they remained small and dense. They realized how valuable this plant would be for gardeners, so they patented it and had it reproduced and distributed only by licensed growers. Our plants come from licensed specialist growers, and are guaranteed to be this very variety, with all its special qualities. Avoid cheaper plants simply called ‘Japanese boxwood’, which can be very variable and unpredictable in size and density.

What is the ideal time of the year to plant Baby Gem Boxwood?

The ideal time to plant Baby Gem Boxwood is in the early spring or fall. This allows the plant to establish its root system in moderate temperatures before the heat of summer or the cold of winter. However, as a hardy plant, it can be planted at any time of the year as long as you can provide it with enough water and care.

How often should I water my Baby Gem Boxwood?

The Baby Gem Boxwood prefers soil that is consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Watering frequency will depend on your local climate and soil conditions. In general, a deep watering once a week should be sufficient. However, during hot, dry periods, you may need to water more frequently. Always check the soil moisture levels before watering.

Can Baby Gem Boxwood be grown in containers?

Yes, Baby Gem Boxwood is an excellent choice for container gardening. Its compact size and ability to be shaped into various forms make it a versatile choice for pots and planters. Just make sure to choose a container with adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging. Regular pruning will help maintain its shape and size.

What pests or diseases should I watch out for?

While Baby Gem Boxwood is a relatively hardy plant, it can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Common pests include boxwood leafminer, boxwood mite, and boxwood psyllid. Diseases to watch out for include root rot, canker, and boxwood blight. Regular inspection and good plant care practices can help prevent these issues.

How can I use Baby Gem Boxwood in landscape design?

Baby Gem Boxwood is a versatile plant in landscape design. It can be used to create low hedges or borders, as a foundation plant, or as a focal point in a garden bed. Its ability to be shaped into various forms also makes it a great choice for topiary. Its evergreen nature ensures year-round interest in the garden.

What type of fertilizer should I use for Baby Gem Boxwood?

Baby Gem Boxwood benefits from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer that can provide it with the necessary nutrients over time. An organic, granular fertilizer with equal parts Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (N-P-K) is a good choice. Apply the fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth.

How can I propagate Baby Gem Boxwood?

As a patented plant, it’s illegal to propagate Baby Gem Boxwood without permission from the patent holder. However, for educational purposes, boxwoods in general can be propagated through cuttings. This involves taking a small branch from an existing plant, planting it in a suitable growing medium, and providing it with the right conditions to develop roots.

Can Baby Gem Boxwood tolerate frost?

Yes, Baby Gem Boxwood is a very hardy plant and can tolerate frost. It can grow well even in USDA hardiness zone 4, where winter temperatures can drop to minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit. However, in areas with severe winter conditions, it’s advisable to provide some protection, such as a burlap wrap, to prevent windburn and desiccation.

How can I prune Baby Gem Boxwood to maintain its shape?

Pruning Baby Gem Boxwood is relatively straightforward due to its dense growth habit. To maintain a specific shape, prune the plant in early spring before new growth begins. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to make clean cuts. For a more natural look, minimal pruning is required. Regular pruning also helps to maintain plant health by improving air circulation and removing potential pest habitats.

Is Baby Gem Boxwood deer resistant?

Yes, Baby Gem Boxwood is considered deer resistant. While no plant is completely deer proof, boxwoods are generally not a preferred food source for deer. This makes Baby Gem Boxwood a good choice for areas where deer browsing can be a problem.