{"product_id":"boxwood-baby-gem-™-pp21159-dense-compact-evergreen-shrub","title":"Boxwood BABY GEM™","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBoxwood BABY GEM ™ PP21159 - Superior Compact Evergreen for Hedges \u0026amp; Borders \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscover the boxwood that outperforms the classics — this patented variety was selected for its exceptional density, disease resistance, and naturally tidy form that stays beautiful with almost no effort. The Boxwood BABY GEM ™ (PP21159) is a vigorous, compact evergreen shrub featuring rich emerald-green foliage packed into a naturally rounded, dense mound. This exceptional cultivar has become the top choice for formal hedges, edging, and foundation plantings where a refined, polished look is the goal. With its fine-textured foliage and naturally symmetrical habit, the Boxwood BABY GEM ™ delivers the timeless elegance of traditional boxwood with dramatically improved performance. The dense, bright green leaves maintain their rich color through all four seasons, creating crisp, clean structure in the landscape year-round. Unlike older boxwood varieties that are prone to disease and require constant shearing to stay tidy, this patented gem maintains its attractive rounded form with minimal pruning while offering superior resistance to common boxwood problems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You'll Love the Boxwood BABY GEM ™\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNaturally Tidy, Dense Form:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rich emerald-green foliage grows into a naturally rounded, compact mound — making this the perfect choice for formal hedges, edging, and foundation plantings where a clean, manicured look is desired with minimal shearing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuperior Disease Resistance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant 2–3 feet apart for a continuous formal hedge or 3–4 feet apart for individual specimens, and they quickly establish into dense, uniform shrubs. The BABY GEM ™ has earned recognition as one of the most reliable and disease-resistant boxwood cultivars available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVibrant Year-Round Color:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bright emerald-green foliage holds its rich color through winter without the bronzing or yellowing that affects many boxwood varieties in cold weather — providing consistent, attractive structure in every season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVersatile \u0026amp; Low-Maintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e A superior landscaping choice due to its naturally compact habit and improved pest and disease tolerance — perfect for formal gardens, parterres, container topiaries, and any landscape where classic boxwood elegance is desired without the traditional headaches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBoxwood BABY GEM ™ Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cem\u003eBuxus\u003c\/em\u003e 'Maria' PP21159 (BABY GEM ™)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType\u003c\/strong\u003e: Compact evergreen shrub\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eContainer Size\u003c\/strong\u003e: 3-Gallon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature Size\u003c\/strong\u003e: 2–3 ft tall × 2–3 ft wide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/strong\u003e: Moderate — 3–6 inches per year\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight\u003c\/strong\u003e: Full sun to partial shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003c\/strong\u003e: Well-drained; adaptable to clay, loam, or sandy soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater\u003c\/strong\u003e: Moderate; consistent moisture preferred\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Hardiness Zones\u003c\/strong\u003e: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Conditions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Adaptability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thrives in well-draining soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.5) including clay, loam, and sandy conditions. Organic-rich, well-draining soil produces the densest, most vibrant growth; avoid waterlogged conditions which can lead to root stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Performs best in full sun to partial shade (4–6+ hours of direct sunlight daily). In hot climates, some afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorch while maintaining the rich emerald color that makes this variety stand out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hardy in USDA zones 5–9, making it suitable for a wide range of temperate climates from the upper Midwest through the Deep South. Its improved cold hardiness and winter color retention give it a significant advantage over many competing boxwood varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Instructions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, strong root system. Once established, maintain consistent moisture during dry periods — boxwoods prefer even soil moisture but will not tolerate standing water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimal pruning needed thanks to its naturally compact, rounded growth habit. Light shaping in late spring after new growth hardens off maintains a crisp formal appearance; avoid heavy pruning in late summer which can stimulate tender growth before winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFertilizing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage vigorous growth and rich foliage color. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can produce soft growth more susceptible to pest pressure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLandscaping Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVersatile Applications:\u003c\/strong\u003e Boxwood BABY GEM ™'s naturally tidy form and superior performance make it suitable for: formal hedges and edging, foundation plantings, parterres and knot gardens, container topiaries, mixed shrub borders, entryway accents, and classic English-style garden design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormal Garden Excellence:\u003c\/strong\u003e Its dense, uniform habit and rich year-round color make it the ideal choice for creating crisp hedges, defined borders, and structured garden rooms — delivering the timeless elegance of traditional boxwood with far less maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow far apart should I plant Boxwood BABY GEM ™ for a formal hedge?\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant 2–3 feet apart (center to center) for a continuous formal hedge that will knit together into a clean, uniform wall of green, or 3–4 feet apart for individual rounded specimens used as accents or edging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does BABY GEM ™ compare to common English or American boxwood?\u003c\/strong\u003e The BABY GEM ™ offers a more compact, naturally rounded form with improved disease resistance and better winter color retention than many traditional boxwood varieties — requiring significantly less shearing to maintain its attractive shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Boxwood BABY GEM ™ resistant to boxwood blight and other common diseases?\u003c\/strong\u003e While no boxwood is completely immune, the BABY GEM ™ was selected for improved disease tolerance. Planting in well-draining soil with good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering are the best practices for keeping any boxwood healthy and vigorous.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"TreesAndPlants.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49521382457559,"sku":"0256","price":42.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0771\/5592\/6231\/files\/boxwoodbabygemlandscaping.png?v=1787673557","url":"https:\/\/www.treesandplants.com\/products\/boxwood-baby-gem-%e2%84%a2-pp21159-dense-compact-evergreen-shrub","provider":"Trees and Plants","version":"1.0","type":"link"}