A dense, naturally rounded boxwood prized for its rich, year‑round green foliage and refined form—ideal for low hedges, borders, and containers.
‘Green Velvet’ is a hardy, compact boxwood with a naturally mounded habit, combining the lush look of English boxwood with the cold tolerance of Korean boxwood. Plants in this listing are supplied at approximately 18–24 inches tall, ready to establish quickly in the landscape. Tight, small leaves retain a deep green hue through winter with minimal bronzing, providing structure and evergreen color in borders, foundation plantings, and formal designs.
Excellent for sheared hedging, parterres, topiary forms, and container accents, ‘Green Velvet’ grows slowly to moderately, making it easy to maintain a crisp outline with light, periodic pruning. Discreet spring flowers are non‑showy but can offer a mild scent and occasional early bee activity.
Botanical Name Buxus Green Velvet 18-24"
Common Name Buxus Green Velvet 18-24"
Size & Growth Ships at approx. 18–24" tall; matures to about 3–4 ft tall and wide in 8–10 years with a naturally rounded habit (slow to moderate growth).
Hardiness Zones USDA Zones 4–9. Cold hardy, with good winter color retention when sited out of harsh wind/sun.
Foliage Type Dense, small‑leaf evergreen broadleaf; rich green year‑round with minimal bronzing in winter.
Bloom Time Early to mid‑spring; flowers are inconspicuous but may have a light fragrance and light bee activity.
Growth Rate Slow to moderate; typically 3–6" of new growth per year once established.
Light Requirements Full sun to part shade; best color and winter performance in part sun with protection from harsh afternoon sun and wind.
Attracts Pollinators Slight—spring bloom may draw a few early bees; not a primary pollinator plant.
Indoor Friendly Primarily an outdoor shrub; suitable indoors only short‑term in bright, cool conditions.
Container Friendly Excellent in containers and for topiary; protect roots in winter in colder zones (insulate or shelter pots).
Deer Resistant Yes—typically avoided by deer and rabbits; may be browsed only under severe pressure.
Pet Warning Toxic if ingested; keep pets and livestock from chewing foliage or stems.
Fragrant Mild fragrance on spring bloom; foliage has a characteristic scent when bruised or pruned.
Cut Flower Not a cut‑flower shrub; sprigs are useful for wreaths and greenery arrangements.
Grows Well With Grows Well With Hydrangea, Hosta, Helleborus, Heuchera, Ferns, Yews (Taxus), Hollies (Ilex), ornamental grasses, spring bulbs.
Planting Instructions Plant in spring or early fall. Dig a hole 2–3× wider than the rootball, same depth as the root flare. Tease circling roots, set plant with crown level or slightly above soil. Backfill and water deeply; mulch 2–3" keeping mulch off the stems. Space 24–36" apart for a low hedge.
Soil Moisture Keep evenly moist but never waterlogged. Provide 1" of water/week during the first growing season; reduce frequency once established, watering deeply during dry spells.
Soil Type Well‑drained loam is ideal; tolerates clay if amended for drainage. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH (≈6.5–7.5). Avoid sites that remain wet in winter.
Humidity Average garden humidity is fine; ensure good air circulation to reduce foliar diseases (avoid dense shade with stagnant air).
Pruning Instructions Lightly shear or hand‑prune after spring flush (late spring) to shape; minor touch‑ups mid‑summer. Avoid heavy fall pruning. Thin interior lightly to improve airflow; disinfect tools to prevent boxwood blight spread.
Winter Care Water deeply before ground freeze; apply 2–3" mulch. In Zones 4–5, shield from winter wind/sun with burlap screens to minimize bronzing and desiccation. Protect container plants by insulating pots or moving to a sheltered location.
Planting Depth Set with the root flare at or up to 1" above the final soil grade; never bury the stem or crown.
Fertilization Feed lightly in early spring with a balanced, slow‑release fertilizer or compost (avoid high‑nitrogen spikes). Soil test every 2–3 years to guide amendments; do not fertilize after midsummer in cold zones.
Special Care Choose well‑drained sites and avoid overhead watering to reduce boxwood blight risk. Monitor for common pests (boxwood leafminer, psyllid, mites) and treat early. Refresh mulch annually and maintain good airflow around plants.
