Overwintering guide
How to overwinter green gem boxwood
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills green gem boxwood in winter
Cutting green gem boxwood hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.
More green gem boxwood care
Overwintering green gem boxwood — FAQ
Does green gem boxwood need to come indoors for winter?
Green Gem Boxwood is hardy to roughly USDA zone 4 — winter lows around -34°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Green Gem Boxwood is properly hardy and overwinters outside without fuss. Tidy away anything dead or diseased, apply a mulch over the crown to steady soil temperatures, and otherwise leave it alone — many hardy plants actually need a cold period to flower and grow well the following year. Save hard pruning for the right season rather than doing it in autumn.
When should I move green gem boxwood for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water green gem boxwood in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills green gem boxwood over winter?
Cutting green gem boxwood hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.