Description

Buxus Green Mountain 15–18" Globe is a hand-sheared, spherical form of the reliable ‘Green Mountain’ boxwood, prized for dense, fine-textured foliage and its ability to hold a crisp outline all year. The small, glossy leaves stay rich green through winter with minimal bronzing, giving four-season structure to entryways, patios, and formal beds. Naturally upright and durable, it tolerates pruning extremely well, making it an easy, elegant focal point in containers or the landscape.

Suggested Uses

Plant Details

• Botanical NameBuxus Green Mountain 15-18" Globe
• Common NameBuxus Green Mountain 15-18"
• Size & GrowthCurrently sheared to a 15–18 in (38–46 cm) globe. If unpruned, ‘Green Mountain’ can reach 5–7 ft tall × 3–5 ft wide; easily maintained at 2–4 ft with annual trims.
• Hardiness ZonesUSDA 4–9 (protect from harsh winter wind in exposed sites).
• Foliage TypeBroadleaf evergreen; small, dense, glossy dark-green leaves with good winter color and minimal bronzing.
• Bloom TimeLate spring; tiny, creamy-green, inconspicuous flowers.
• Growth RateSlow to moderate (approximately 4–8 in per year, site dependent).
• Light RequirementsFull sun to part shade; best color with 4–6 hrs of sun. In hot summers, provide afternoon shade to reduce leaf scorch and winter bronzing.
• Attracts PollinatorsLightly attracts bees and early-season pollinators when in bloom.
• Indoor FriendlyNot recommended as a long-term houseplant; thrives outdoors with seasonal temperature swings and airflow.
• Container FriendlyExcellent in pots with drainage; choose a container 2–3 in wider than the rootball for best performance and stability.
• Deer ResistantYes—deer typically avoid boxwood; rabbits may nibble tender new growth.
• Pet WarningAll parts can be toxic if ingested; may cause gastrointestinal upset. Sap can irritate skin—wear gloves when pruning.
• FragrantSubtle; foliage has a characteristic resinous scent when bruised; blooms are mildly fragrant at close range.
• Cut FlowerNot a cut-flower plant; clipped sprigs are excellent for wreaths and long-lasting greenery in arrangements.
• Grows Well WithGrows Well With Hydrangea, Helleborus, Heuchera, Hosta, Japanese Maple, Nandina, Salvia, Lavender (in sun), ornamental grasses, and spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils.

Care Tips

• Planting InstructionsPlant in spring or early fall. Dig a hole 2× wider than the rootball, same depth. Set the root flare level or slightly above the soil. Backfill with native soil, water thoroughly, and mulch 2–3 in deep, keeping mulch 2 in from stems.
• Soil MoistureKeep evenly moist while establishing (6–12 months). Water deeply when the top 1–2 in of soil is dry; avoid soggy, poorly drained sites.
• Soil TypeWell-drained loam or sandy loam, rich in organic matter; preferred pH 6.5–7.5. Amend heavy clay with compost and mineral grit to improve drainage.
• HumidityAverage outdoor humidity is ideal. Shield from drying winter winds; in containers, avoid heat-reflective walls that increase leaf desiccation.
• Pruning InstructionsShear or hand-prune after the spring flush (late May–June), with a light touch-up mid-summer. Avoid heavy pruning after late August. Sanitize tools to reduce disease risk and maintain a balanced globe by removing ~1/3 of the new growth.
• Winter CareMulch the root zone and water deeply before the ground freezes. In exposed sites, use burlap screens to cut wind. Keep away from road salt; expect mild bronzing in severe cold to fade in spring.
• Planting DepthKeep the top of the rootball at or 0.5–1 in above surrounding grade; do not bury the stem. Tease apart circling roots at planting for better establishment.
• FertilizationLight feeder. In early spring, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 5-3-2) or top-dress with 1–2 in compost. Avoid high-nitrogen feeding after mid-summer. For containers, use a controlled-release formula per label rates.
• Special CarePromote airflow to reduce boxwood blight risk; water at the base rather than overhead. Monitor for leafminer, spider mites, and Volutella; treat promptly. Consider anti-desiccant in windy, exposed zones. Rotate container plants a few times each season for even sun.