Boxwood

Common varieties in Texas: 'Wintergem', 'Baby Gem', 'Green Mountain'

Growth Potential

Size: Highly variety-dependent.

  • Dwarf (‘Baby Gem’): 2–3 feet tall and wide.

  • Standard (‘Wintergem’): 4–6 feet tall and wide.

  • Upright (‘Green Mountain’): 5 feet tall, 3 feet wide.

Elegant Evergreen Structure

Boxwoods are the “gold standard” for formal evergreen structure. They feature small, glossy, oval leaves and a naturally dense growth habit. They are prized for their ability to be sheared into precise geometric shapes (hedges, globes, or cones) or left to grow into soft, billowing mounds.

Best Area to Plant

Location:

Framing entryways, creating low hedges along walkways, or as “anchor” plants at the corners of flower beds.

Placement:

In Texas, they do best with dappled shade or morning sun and afternoon shade. The intense Texas summer sun can cause the leaves to “bronze” or scorch if they are in a high-heat reflected area (like against a white west-facing wall).

Care Instructions

  • Light:

    Part sun to filtered shade.

  • Water:

    Consistent moisture is key, especially during the first two years. Once established, they are moderately drought-tolerant but need deep watering during July and August.

  • Maintenance:

    Prune or shear in late spring after the first flush of new growth. Avoid heavy pruning in late fall, as new growth may not harden off before frost.

  • Tip:

    They require excellent drainage. Boxwoods are susceptible to root rot if they sit in heavy, soggy clay.