Watering Requirements for the Winter Gem Buxus Micro

Description

• The Asian native is a very cold-hardy cultivar of boxwoods. The evergreen performs well throughout United States Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. Winter Gem has a round growth habit. Plants are dense, filled with multiple thin hardwood branches. The foliage is oval, deep green and 3/4 inch long. When affected by a deep freeze, the leaves can turn yellowish-brown. Its average height and spread at maturity is 2 to 3 feet. In early spring, small greenish-yellow flowers bloom, but are hardly noticeable.

Outdoor Requirements

• When planted outdoors, Winter Gem prefers moist, well-drained soils. The plant’s roots have a shallow growth habit, which causes them to dry out quicker than deeply rooted plants, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden. Applying a 3- to 4-inch layer of mulch around the plant’s base helps in conserving soil moisture. In southern areas of its growing range, Winter Gem performs best grown in partially shady environments. Those grown in northern climates tolerate sunnier conditions. New plantings require watering two to three times weekly for approximately six weeks. After establishment, watering twice weekly is sufficient. When watering, saturate the soil to drench the roots. If your regional conditions are extremely hot and dry, an extra weekly water application is sometimes required.

Potted Requirements

• Winter Gem grows well in 5-gallon containers. The container is large enough for proper root spread and development. Always utilize containers with drainage, or the boxwood will develop root rot. When selecting a container, consider its material. To conserve soil moisture and reduce watering needs, utilize containers made of plastic or sealed ceramic. They hold moisture longer than containers made from wood, clay or ceramic that are unsealed. In addition, grow the boxwood in a potting mix that drains well, as heavy soils retain too much water. Feel the top inch of soil to test for dryness. If the soil feels dry, apply water until it flows from the container’s drain holes. Follow the same light requirements, as if you were growing the plant outdoors in the ground.

General Care

• Gardeners living in northern regions where snowfall is regular should plant Winter Gem boxwoods in protected locations. Planting in an area protected from winter winds results in plants receiving the least amount of damage. To minimize branch damage, remove snow accumulation as soon as possible. The plant takes well to hard pruning, as well. Hard-prune Winter Gem in early springtime to maintain the plant’s shape and size. Gardeners can prune again in the summer. Apply an all-purpose fertilizer blend in springtime, and water it into the soil. Use caution when digging around the boxwood, as the shallow roots are susceptible to damage. Treat any pest problems, such as leaf miners or mites, with a boxwood-safe product. Always follow the insecticide’s directions.