Buxus hybrid Gordo™ ('Conrowe') PP19924 - Gordo™ Boxwood*

The flowers of Gordo™ attract pollinators such as bees, but the plant is largely unbothered by pests or wildlife. It is highly resistant to deer and rabbits, making it a reliable choice for gardens in areas with heavy wildlife browsing.

• Seasonality: Evergreen; retains its foliage year-round.
• Flowering Season: Spring (April-May)
• Bloom Description: Gordo™ produces small, inconspicuous, creamy yellow flowers in spring. While the flowers are not showy, they add a subtle fragrance and attract pollinators, such as bees.

• Low-maintenance hedging – Perfect for formal or informal low borders and privacy hedges
  
• Foundation planting – Neat, uniform growth habit makes it ideal around structures
  
• Topiary and containers – Tolerates pruning well and looks great in pots or shaped forms
  
• Accent plant – Provides evergreen structure in mixed beds or at entryways
  
• Understory planting – Works well beneath taller shrubs or trees due to moderate shade tolerance
  
  

The leaves of Buxus Gordo™ are small, glossy, and dark green, with a rounded, compact form. The evergreen foliage holds its vibrant color throughout the year, even in winter, when many other plants lose their leaves or fade. The dense, finely-textured foliage is ideal for creating hedges, borders, or sculpted topiary shapes.

• Size & Appearance: Tiny, pale green to yellowish flowers
  
• Bloom Time: Spring
  
• Fragrance: Very mild, often unnoticeable
  
• Ornamental Value: Low – flowers are small and not showy

• Planting Season: Best planted in early spring or fall when temperatures are cool, allowing the plant to establish roots before the growing season or winter dormancy.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil but is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. Amending the soil with organic matter can improve drainage and fertility.
• Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow for mature spread or closer for a formal hedge.

Planting Instructions:

1. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
2. Place the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball level with the soil surface.
3. Backfill with soil, tamp gently, and water thoroughly.
4. Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pruning is minimal but can be done to maintain the desired shape. Light pruning in early spring before new growth emerges helps keep the plant compact and encourages denser foliage. For formal hedges or topiary, trim as needed throughout the growing season. Avoid heavy pruning in late summer or fall, as it can stimulate new growth that may not harden off before winter.

Gordo™ prefers moderate watering, especially during the first growing season. Water regularly, ensuring the soil stays evenly moist but not waterlogged. Once established, this boxwood is relatively drought-tolerant but will benefit from occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.

This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade. For optimal growth and the best foliage color, plant in a location that receives 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Gordo™ tolerates shade well but may have slower growth in areas with low light.

While Gordo™ is not typically harvested for its foliage, its dense, glossy leaves make it a popular choice for cut greenery in floral arrangements or holiday decorations. The evergreen foliage can be clipped and used fresh in wreaths or garlands.

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage. A second light feeding in mid-summer can help maintain plant vigor. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive, leggy growth.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Mulch also helps protect the shallow roots from extreme heat or cold.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Gordo™ is resistant to boxwood blight, a common disease in other boxwood varieties. It is also relatively free from pests, though it may occasionally attract aphids or leaf miners. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues in humid conditions.
• Winter Care: In colder climates, protect the plant from winter winds and sunscald by wrapping it in burlap or applying an anti-desiccant spray. Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot during winter.

• Pollination Type: Monoecious – contains both male and female flowers on the same plant
  
• Pollination Method: Wind-pollinated with minimal insect activity
  
• Attracts Pollinators: Low – not considered a pollinator plant
  
  

Pair Buxus ‘Gordo’ with perennials, grasses, or flowering shrubs that provide seasonal color and contrasting textures:

🌸 Flowering Companions

• Hydrangea paniculata – Large blooms provide soft contrast to boxwood's structure
  
• Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ – Spiky purple flowers stand out against the dark green foliage
  
• Lavandula angustifolia – Drought-tolerant with silvery leaves and purple blooms
  
• Geranium ‘Rozanne’ – Cascading habit and violet flowers for edging
  

🌾 Foliage & Form Contrast

• Heuchera ‘Obsidian’ or ‘Lime Rickey’ – Offers bold foliage contrast at the base
  
• Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’ – Bright variegated leaves complement boxwood’s deep green
  
• Ilex crenata ‘Sky Pencil’ – Adds vertical accent alongside boxwood mounds
  
• Miscanthus sinensis ‘Little Zebra’ – Adds movement and height contrast