Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Winter Gem'
Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade; bright filtered shade also works. Avoid exposed western locations and reflected heat from walls or pavement.
Water: Moderate water; irrigate deeply when the upper 1–2 inches of soil begin to dry. Check frequently during extreme summer heat, especially while establishing. Avoid soggy soil; not a low-water desert shrub.
Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with compost; tolerates mildly alkaline conditions. Mulch the root zone to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperatures, keeping mulch away from stems.
Mature size: Typically 4–6 feet tall and wide unpruned; can be maintained smaller with light pruning.
Bloom: Small, inconspicuous flowers in early spring; grown primarily for foliage.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.
Growth rate: Slow to moderate; slower under intense heat or water stress.