North Star Boxwood

North Star® is the Proven Winners trade name for Buxus sempervirens ‘Katerberg’, a compact evergreen boxwood with a dense, rounded habit and dark green foliage. Its small mature size and winter foliage make it useful for low hedges, formal borders, and containers. ## Size and siting The [Proven Winners cultivar page](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/buxus/north-star-boxwood-buxus-sempervirens) confirms the ‘Katerberg’ identity and lists a mature height and spread of 24–32 inches and USDA zones 5–9, The compact rounded form suits a low hedge or container planting. It describes sun-or-shade exposure and moist, well-drained soil. Plant where drainage is reliable and water during establishment or extended dry periods. ## Maintenance North Star usually needs little pruning, but it can be trimmed in summer to maintain a desired shape. For healthier interior growth, thin selected stems rather than repeatedly shearing the same outer surface; this improves light and airflow. Monitor for boxwood blight and insect pests, and water at the base when supplemental irrigation is needed. [University of Maryland Extension](https://extension.umd.edu/resource/boxwood-identify-and-manage-common-problems) discusses airflow, pruning, and disease prevention for boxwoods.