Green Gem would also fit that requirement, with a roundc compact shape, ideal for trimming to a hedge form. We planted a row on our retaining wall. My initial impression vs. my own experience is they aren't as slow growing as you might think. The only problem I've experienced is the proximity to the retaining wall, leaving the roots in the winter more susceptible to cold, and had some browning on these as a result. Could also be lack of water retention in the growing months as well. They will be moved back to a more appropriate distance. I have Green Velvet in full shade, north wall (minimal late afternoon sun), it has grown considerably well, probably a wee bit larger than 3 x 3, a nice mound form. Due to shade, it's not as dense as others that receive more sunlight. Absolutely no browning on my green velvets. I have a Green Gem next to my driveway, and the reflection in the summer caused some browning. It needs to be moved, not the best location. And as much as I've read about the boxwood scent, I have yet to smell it. LOL. I'm biased because I love boxwood, but if I had to choose between the rhody and boxwood, I'd go with the latter for the impact. They're also great to display lights over the holiday season, if you are into that.

I've got Winter Jasmine, the flowers took a hit this winter as it went down to -4F one night when it was in full bloom in December. I've had this shrub for over thirty years, actually it was my neighbors, she planted it on a trellis on the side of her carport but I took it over when she passed and the house was sold. This is when we found out her concrete carport encroached our lot by 8 inches so I laid claim to it, the Jasmine that is :o). Back to the Jasmine, this one isn't scented but depending on the winter it can bloom anywhere from November through March here on Vancouver Island. Every spring before it leafs out we take the hedge trimmer to it cutting it back severely (to stubs), the new growth cascades down like a green waterfall from the the top of the carport all summer long. The flowers come after the leaves have fallen, it seems to be in full bloom at a different time each year, even now after getting hit by our unusually cold winter it's still producing a few flowers. Annette

B. sinica var. insularis = B. microphylla var. koreana. Same thing, Korean Boxwood or Littleleaf boxwood. The particular cultivars 'Wintergreen' and 'Winter Gem' are apparently preferred selections of the Korean boxwood and are not a microphylla japonica. Although some of the literature seems to say Winter Gem is a japonica. You have to admit that it's a bit confusing. While most Korean and Japanese boxwoods can bronze in winter sun, these varieties are less prone to that. 'Wintergreen' is also supposedly more resistant to some pests than the Japanese boxwood (B. microphylla japonica) and this selection may be somewhat different in ultimate size and bloom color. I would also suspect it to be hardier than its Japanese cousin, so this or 'Winter Gem' would be ones to look at for more northern climates. To confuse things, there are a number of Buxus microphylla var. koreana x Buxus sempervirens hybrids with the name 'green' in them, most hardy into zone 5. These include 'Green Mountain', 'Green Velvet', 'Green Gem'. I hope this helps!

where are you .. big city name ... how bad was winter ... if any ... when were they planted ... just last season??? carefully check new growth.. and watch that.. to see if there is any ongoing problem... if not ... then it was a winter injury ... there is nothing to do .. if the problem is gone ... if there continues to be problems.. on the new growth ... then maybe there is something to fix ... to me.. here in MI .. it is very early to have significant bug issues... just because it hasnt been warm enough for populations to get big enough.. to cause significant injury ... ergo.. the winter idea ... im sure warmer zones are further ahead in this regard.. ergo.. where are you ... ken