NewGen Freedom® Boxwood (Buxus)
Shrub
- This attractive shrub has shown boxwood leafminer and blight resistance.
- Its charming egg-like shape makes it useful in landscaping applications.
- We love it in containers, lining pathways, and more!
- Certified Deer Proof™ by Proven Winners® ColorChoice Shrubs.
- Zones 5-8, sun/part sun/shade, 5' tall x 5' wide at maturity.
UNABLE TO SHIP TO: TN, PA
ZONE
EXPOSURE
HEIGHT
Description
We do not recommend this plant for those whose landscapes have a history of severe boxwood blight.
Details
Patent #: USPP 32,421
Common name: Boxwood
Zone: 5 – 8
Sun exposure: Sun (6+ hours sun), part sun (4-6 hours sun), shade (<4 hours sun)
Height x width: 3.5-5′ x 3.5-5′
Foliage color: Green
Season of Interest: Year-Round
Bloom time: Evergreen
Features: Rabbit resistant, evergreens, deer resistant, container plants
Uses: Accent, border, container gardening, edging, foundation planting, hedge, small spaces
How to Grow
Light: Sun/part sun/shade. Will grow well in a variety of part shade situations, including open sun-dappled conditions or light shade with several hours of morning sun or early afternoon sun. Plants can grow in close to full shade, but typically are less vigorous and more open with decreased foliage density. When grown in full sun, plant foliage is more likely to scorch, bronze in winter, or suffer from mite attacks.
Water: Evenly moist, average
Spacing: 4-5'
Fertilizing: Boxwood roots appreciate a good organic (e.g., bark or compost) mulch (1-2″). Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 ratio fertilizer, or slow release fertilizer (such as Osmocote), after the second year of growth by spreading it evenly over the surface of the soil (follow label directions), and watering it in.
Winterizing: Boxwood is best sited in locations sheltered from strong winds, with, if possible, some protection from full winter sun. Foliage may bronze in winter when exposed to half day to full day sun. Winter winds can remove moisture from leaves at a rapid rate, often resulting in dehydration and bronzing. Carefully remove heavy snow accumulations as quickly as practicable to minimize stem/branch damage.
Maintenance & Pruning: Plants are generally tolerant of pruning and shearing. Pruning should never be done prior to the last spring frost date. Pruning too early in spring often promotes tender new growth that may be damaged or killed by a late spring frost. Avoid cultivating around plants because they have shallow roots.
Plant spacing is based on the ultimate width of the plants. This figure is normally given as a range; for example, 3-5’. If you live in a cold climate and/or want plants to fill in more quickly, plan to space at the shorter end of the range. If you live in a warm climate, are on a limited budget, or are willing to wait longer for plants to touch, use the higher end of the range. Using the larger number is recommended when calculating distance from a building or structure. There’s really no such thing as "maximum spacing": if you don’t want your plants to touch, you can space them as far apart as you’d like. All plant spacing is calculated on center, or in other words, the centers of the plants are spaced one half of their eventual width apart:
Unless you are planting in a straight line, as you might for hedges or edging, space your plants in a staggered or zig-zag pattern for a more interesting and naturalistic look:
Not sure just how many plants will fit in your garden? Our calculator gives you the exact amount of plants required for your space. Simply update the values and the calculator will re-calculate accordingly. Spacing information can be found in the 'How to Grow' tab on each plant's page.