Japanese Boxwood 'Winter Gem' (Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Winter Gem') gives you year-round structure with fine-textured, glossy evergreen foliage that responds well to trimming. You can use it for low hedges, edging, foundation plantings, or as a specimen kept neatly sheared. In time it typically reaches about 36-48 inches tall, with a similar or slightly wider spread depending on pruning.
Plant it in full sun to part shade. In hot or exposed sites, a bit of afternoon shade and protection from winter wind helps reduce foliage bronzing. Give it well-drained soil and keep moisture even during establishment; once rooted in, it handles short dry periods better, especially with a mulch layer that keeps roots cool.
Prune after the risk of late spring frost has passed, and avoid deep cultivation around the plant because boxwoods have shallow roots. Light shaping once or twice a year can maintain a crisp outline. If you are creating a hedge, start with regular tip-pruning early to encourage dense branching.
Watch for common boxwood issues such as leafminer, mites, leaf spot, and blight, and provide good air circulation by spacing plants appropriately. With basic watering, mulch, and thoughtful siting, this boxwood can be a reliable evergreen accent in many landscapes.