Green Velvet vs Winter Gem boxwood
Two boxwoods for cold climates: 'Green Velvet' stays green through winter, while 'Winter Gem' turns bronze in the cold. 'Green Velvet' is a cross of Korean and English box, bred in Canada. 'Winter Gem' is a Japanese littleleaf box, a little bigger, with small, glossy leaves that are among the first to green again in spring. Both clip well into balls and low hedges.
 Boxwood 'Green Velvet'Buxus 'Green Velvet' |  Littleleaf boxwood 'Winter Gem'Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Winter Gem' | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 3 ft tall, 3 ft wide | 4 ft tall, 4 ft wide |
| Plant | 3 ft apart | 3 ft apart |
| Zones | 5 to 8 | 5 to 9 |
| Light | Full sun to part shade | Full sun to part shade |
| Soil | Well-drained, average fertility | Well-drained, average fertility |
| Flowers | None | None |
| Leaves | Fine, evergreen | Fine, evergreen |
| Job in a bed | Anchor | Anchor |
| Pets | Toxic (moderate) | Toxic (moderate) |
| Deer | No record | Resistant |
| Native | No | No |
| Spread | Low risk | Low risk |
Rows where they differ are marked. Flowering times are for zone 5.
Which to choose
- Choose littleleaf boxwood 'Winter Gem' for warmer gardens (to zone 9).
Can they grow together?
Yes: they grow in the same conditions. They share full sun, part sun and part shade and zones 5 to 8.
Read more: all about boxwood 'Green Velvet', and all about littleleaf boxwood 'Winter Gem', each with a bed the planner designed around it.