Buxus microphylla var. koreana X Buxus sempervirens 'Green Gem'
Overall Description
A
great little hybrid Boxwood that requires very little trimming /
pruning to maintain a perfect little round ball of tight, dark green
foliage. Has shown to hold excellent green color through the winter
with excellent hardiness as well. A slow grower that only reaches a
mature size of about 2' x 2'. Makes a great choice for foreground
plantings, as well as for short, low growing, formal hedge.
Plant Facts & Specifications
Mature Height: 2 - 2 1/2 ft
Mature Width: 2 - 2 1/2 ft.
Growth rate: Slow ( 3"-4" avg per yr )
Hardiness Zones: 5-9 ( if unsure of your zone, please use zone finder below )
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Preference: Average. Slightly cool & moist - fertile. Mulching recommended.
Foliage Color & Texture: Foliage
very typical of most B. microphylla varieties - small, oval shaped. Good dark green mature foliage - newer foliage growth slightly brighter green. Good density.
Flower, Cone, Or Berry Facts: Very
small, creamy yellow flowers develop in small clusters in April - May,
and are actually quite fragrant for the brief time that they are
present.
Diseases / Insects: Among
the more prevalent problems one might be confronted with when growing
Boxwood would be: Canker, root rot, boxwood leaf miner, boxwood
webworm, nematodes, and boxwood mites. Most all of these pests /
problems are much more commonly seen on Buxus sempervirens cultivars -
other variations / hybrids seem to show much more resistance to these
problems. Root rot ( Phytopthora ) can be a problem in inadequately
drained soils, and is usually indicated by a lighter "off color" to the
foliage. Annual treatment / inspection is strongly recommended during
the early growing season in order to monitor any possible problems, and
as a preventative action.
Fertilization / Feeding: Either
water
soluble ( Miracle Gro, or equivalent ), or granular ( Holly Tone
is excellent ). Other granular types with 6-12-12, or 10-10-10 ratio is
acceptable. Best to fertilize in early spring ( 2-4 individual
applications ), and again in mid fall ( 2 or 3 individual applications
) -
avoid feeding during hot summer months, and directly after
transplanting. 
