Buxus Microphylla Asiaticum Baby Gem- Deer Resistant #3

Every garden needs a backbone, and ‘Baby Gem’ Boxwood is exactly that. It goes with absolutely everything and never goes out of style. Unlike older boxwoods that get leggy and bronze out in winter, ‘Baby Gem’ keeps its rich, emerald green color year-round. It’s dense, it’s tiny, and it looks polished 365 days a year without you lifting a finger.

Boxwoods have a reputation for being finicky, but ‘Baby Gem’ is a Buxus microphylla (Japanese Boxwood) variety. Why does that matter to us in the Triad? It means it is much more tolerant of our heat and humidity than the English varieties that struggle here. It handles our hot July afternoons like a champ and is generally hardier against the dry spells we get in late summer.

Why We Recommend It:

• It Stays Small (Really): The biggest mistake people make is planting a boxwood that grows 6 feet tall under a 3-foot window. ‘Baby Gem’ is a true dwarf. It settles in at about 3 to 4 feet, making it the perfect "set it and forget it" plant for foundations.

• Winter Warrior: While other boxwoods might turn an ugly orange-brown (bronzing) when the winter winds hit Stokes County, ‘Baby Gem’ holds its green color exceptionally well. It keeps your curb appeal high even in January.

• Deer Resistant: This is the classic deer-resistant choice. The foliage has a scent and taste that deer generally dislike. If you want a formal hedge but live in deer country, this is a safe bet.

Best Used For:

• Low, formal hedges to line a walkway.

• Defining the shape of a garden bed (knot gardens).

• Foundation plantings under low windows.

• Potted topiaries by the front door.

The Specs:

• Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate (about 2–3 inches a year).

• Mature Size: Compact; 3–4 ft tall x 3–4 ft wide.

• Sun/Soil: Full Sun to Part Shade. Crucial: Needs well-drained soil. It hates wet feet, so if you have heavy clay, plant it "high" and amend the soil!

Check out the full technical details on the NC State Extension Plant Toolbox, or come see them here at Mitchell’s Nursery.