Boxwood (Buxus microphylla 'Peergold' GOLDEN DREAM)

Overview

Buxus microphylla ‘Peergold’ GOLDEN DREAM, commonly known as Boxwood, offers invaluable structure and year-round texture to the landscape. This slow-growing, densely-branched broadleaf evergreen shrub features distinctive bright green leaves edged with irregular golden-yellow margins, providing essential contrast throughout the seasons. While it matures slowly, reaching only about 2 to 3 feet tall, it is highly valued for its compact, low-mounded habit, making it excellent for formal plantings. Gardeners appreciate this Boxwood for its tolerance of pruning and its relatively small size compared to larger Boxwood cultivars.

The durability and evergreen nature of Buxus microphylla ‘Peergold’ GOLDEN DREAM ensure visual interest even when other plants slow down. It adapts well to conditions ranging from full sun to light shade, though protection from harsh afternoon exposure is beneficial. Proper siting is key to maintaining its vibrant foliage and dense form.

This specific cultivar, also known by its trade name GOLDEN DREAM, is excellent for gardeners seeking slow maintenance growth that retains a tidy appearance. Use this Boxwood to define borders, line walkways, or serve as a low foundation planting where year-round structure is required.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Buxaceae
• Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 2-3 ft
  • Spread: 2-2.5 ft
• Bloom Time: April to May
• Bloom Description: Non-flowering
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

The ideal location for Buxus microphylla ‘GOLDEN DREAM’ is in an evenly moist, well-drained loam soil, which can be a sand-clay mixture. Plant in locations receiving full sun to soft part shade; morning sun or light, dappled afternoon shade is often preferred over intense, unmitigated western exposure. Cultivars grown in full sun are more prone to foliage scorch, winter bronzing, or mite infestations.

Care revolves around consistent moisture management. Water moderately, ensuring soil does not become waterlogged, as this Boxwood dislikes poorly drained conditions which invite root rot. Avoid cultivating close to the base of the plant, as Boxwood roots remain shallow and can be easily damaged. Apply a 1-2 inch layer of organic mulch, like compost or bark, to conserve moisture and protect the roots.

Pruning should be approached cautiously. While this Boxwood generally tolerates shearing for shaping, aggressive trimming should be avoided until after the danger of the last spring frost has passed. Early pruning can stimulate tender new growth vulnerable to frost damage. Annually thin out dense areas to improve air circulation throughout the shrub. Site Buxus microphylla ‘Peergold’ GOLDEN DREAM away from areas subject to harsh winter winds, which desiccate leaves rapidly, leading to unattractive winter burn.

Landscape Uses

As a slow-growing boxwood, Buxus microphylla ‘Peergold’ GOLDEN DREAM excels in structured garden designs. It functions perfectly as a low hedge, tightly bordering paths, flower beds, or the foundation of a building where a tidy, evergreen line is desired. Its compact size also makes it an excellent choice for specimen planting in smaller gardens or in traditional mass plantings requiring year-round form.

The bright variegation of ‘GOLDEN DREAM’ brightens darker corners, pairing beautifully with deep green evergreens or contrasting with fine-textured perennials. Use it for low edging, where its slow rate of growth means less frequent attention is needed than with faster hedges. Furthermore, its excellent tolerance for shearing suggests its suitability for simple topiary forms, adding formality to contemporary or classical garden spaces.

Standout Features

Noteworthy Characteristics

Buxus microphylla, commonly called littleleaf boxwood, is a slow-growing, densely-branched, broadleaf evergreen shrub. Its tiny, leathery, medium green leaves are evergreen, although they may bronze slightly in winter before regaining color. ‘Peergold’, often sold as GOLDEN DREAM, is a compact, low-mounded cultivar featuring bright green foliage edged with irregular golden yellow margins. Discovered as a branch sport of ‘Faulkner’, this specific Boxwood matures slowly to 2-3’ tall by 2-2.5’ wide.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer

Potential Problems

Foliage bronzing, which turns an unattractive brownish-yellow, is common during harsh winters, especially if the Boxwood is placed in exposed areas subjected to full sun and drying winter winds. To mitigate this, ensure the plant is well-hydrated entering dormancy and consider placing it where it receives winter wind protection. Susceptibility exists to foliar issues like blights and leaf spot; ensure good air movement by proper spacing and thinning. In heavy, poorly-drained sites, root rot poses a significant threat, emphasizing the need for well-drained soil structure, perhaps amended with grit or sand. Pests such as boxwood mites, leafminers, and the invasive box tree moth can affect this cultivar, requiring monitoring, although the common boxwood psyllid is usually not a concern.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Boxwood suitable for?

Buxus microphylla ‘Peergold’ GOLDEN DREAM is reliably hardy throughout USDA Zones 6 through 9.

How large does Buxus microphylla ‘Peergold’ GOLDEN DREAM grow?

This compact Boxwood generally matures to a height between 2 and 3 feet, with a spread ranging from 2 to 2.5 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Boxwood need?

This Boxwood performs best when situated in locations that receive full sun to partial shade, benefiting particularly from protection during the harshest afternoon light.

When does Boxwood bloom?

While the plant is listed as blooming between April and May, the flowers of Buxus microphylla ‘Peergold’ GOLDEN DREAM are inconspicuous and the plant is valued for its evergreen foliage, not its bloom.

Conclusion

The variegated foliage and dependable evergreen structure make the Boxwood, specifically Buxus microphylla ‘Peergold’ GOLDEN DREAM, a foundational choice for elegant, low-maintenance landscaping. Its compact habit and golden accents provide year-round brightness, provided it is sited correctly away from severe winter weather. Before planting, confirm that your site falls within USDA Zones 6-9 and prepare soil for excellent drainage to ensure this specimen thrives.

Companion Planting

Selecting companions that share the preference for consistently moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil will ensure Buxus microphylla ‘Peergold’ GOLDEN DREAM thrives alongside its neighbors. Pair this low Boxwood with fine-textured, architectural plants like Dwarf Mugo Pines or low-growing Hostas that appreciate similar moisture levels but offer contrasting leaf shapes. For perennial borders backed by the Boxwood hedge, consider plants like Hellebores, which offer early spring color while remaining evergreen or semi-evergreen, complementing the shrub’s slow, dense growth habit.

Propagation Tips

This Boxwood variety may be propagated successfully using cuttings, a common method for maintaining cultivar fidelity. Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in mid-to-late summer typically yield the best success rates. Prepare cuttings by taking 4-to-6-inch lengths, removing the lower leaves, and dipping the base in rooting hormone before planting them in a sterile, moist medium, such as a sand and peat mixture, under high humidity or bottom heat until roots develop. This process ensures you can replicate the desirable GOLDEN DREAM characteristics accurately.