Buxus sinica var. insularis 'Winter Gem'
small-leaved box 'Winter Gem'
A slow-growing evergreen shrub to around 1.5m high, with small, glossy leaves that emerge bright lime green, and tint red and orange in winter sun. Produces small, pale yellow flowers in spring
Synonyms
Buxus microphylla 'Winter Gem'Buxus sinica var. insularis 'Winter Gem'
see moreBuxus 'Asiatic Winter'
Buxus microphylla 'Asiatic Winter'
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green Orange Red |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Buxaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Buxus can be evergreen shrubs or small trees, with simple, leathery, opposite leaves and clusters of small, pale yellow flowers followed by pale green to brown fruits
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any fertile, well-drained soil. Prefers light shade, full sun may result in dull or scorched foliage in dry soils. Water regularly while establishing. See box cultivation for more detailed advice
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Garden edging
Pruning
Pruning group 8; trim hedges in summer
Pests
May be susceptible to box tree caterpillar, box sucker, mussel scale and red spider mite
Diseases
May be susceptible to a leaf spot, box blight and, rarely, honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.