The Emerald Jewel Boxwood (Buxus microphylla ‘Emerald Jewel’ or Buxus sempervirens ‘Emerald Jewel’) is a broadleaf evergreen shrub valued for its attractive appearance and adaptability. This compact plant offers vibrant foliage and a versatile growth habit, making it a popular choice for year-round appeal in diverse garden designs.
Emerald Jewel Boxwood Overview
The Emerald Jewel Boxwood features lush, emerald-green foliage that remains vibrant throughout the year, even in colder climates. This evergreen shrub typically grows to a compact size, reaching about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, maintaining a naturally rounded or mounding shape. Its small, glossy leaves contribute to a dense texture. This boxwood is hardy from USDA Zone 5 to 9 or 10.
Its neat form and consistent color make it suitable for formal hedges, borders, or foundation plantings. Its compact nature also allows for mass plantings or as an accent plant in mixed garden beds. The dense foliage can also be shaped into topiaries or used in container displays. Its resistance to deer browsing further enhances its appeal.
Planting Emerald Jewel Boxwood
Plant Emerald Jewel Boxwood in a site with adequate sunlight. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth. In hotter climates, afternoon shade can prevent leaf scorch. Well-drained soil is important, as boxwoods do not tolerate overly wet conditions.
The soil should have a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, though it adapts to various soil types, including sandy ones, if drainage is good. Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball but no deeper than its height. After removing the plant from its container and loosening circling roots, place it so the top of the root ball is slightly above the surrounding soil level to allow for settling. Backfill with native soil, firm gently to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle the plant.
Care and Maintenance
Newly planted Emerald Jewel Boxwoods require consistent watering during their first growing season to establish a strong root system. During this establishment period, one to two deep waterings per week may be necessary, adjusted for rainfall and soil moisture. Once established, boxwoods become moderately drought-tolerant, needing supplemental irrigation primarily during extended dry periods or hot weather. Water slowly and deeply, ensuring the root zone is moistened, and avoid overwatering which can lead to root issues.
Fertilizing Emerald Jewel Boxwood can encourage robust growth, though it is often not strictly required if the soil is healthy. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to provide nutrients for the growing season. Avoid excessive fertilization, as this can negatively impact the plant. Pruning is typically done in late spring or early summer after the first flush of new growth to maintain the desired shape and size. Light shaping is usually sufficient, as this cultivar is known for its naturally neat form, but dead or damaged branches should be removed as needed.
For winter protection, ensure the plant is well-hydrated before the ground freezes to prevent winter burn. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to insulate roots and conserve soil moisture throughout the colder months. In exposed locations, wind protection, such as burlap wraps, can safeguard the foliage from harsh winter winds and desiccation.
Common Issues and Solutions
Emerald Jewel Boxwood can encounter some common issues. Boxwood leafminer is a pest that causes blistering and yellowing of leaves as larvae feed within the foliage. Systemic insecticides applied in mid-summer through fall can control larvae, or resistant cultivars can be chosen for new plantings. Spider mites may also affect boxwoods, especially in hot, dry conditions, leading to stippled foliage; these can be managed with horticultural oil sprays.
Boxwood blight, a serious fungal disease, can cause dark leaf spots, rapid defoliation, and black lesions on stems. Prevention involves purchasing healthy plants, avoiding overhead watering, and sanitizing tools. Infected plants should be promptly removed and disposed of to prevent further spread, as the fungus can survive in soil debris. Root rot is another concern, often stemming from poor drainage or overwatering, leading to wilting and discolored foliage. Ensuring well-drained soil and proper watering practices are the primary preventative measures for root rot.