Boxwoods have been a cherished and versatile landscape plant for thousands of years. It would be unimaginable to think of classic European gardens without them. In this country, they are no less iconic or loved. So, it was sad when a fungal disease called boxwood blight was discovered in North America in October of 2011.
Luckily, the premier grower of boxwood in the U.S., Saunders Brothers from Virginia, began running tests and trials immediately after the blight was discovered. This spring, they introduced NewGen Boxwood.
NewGen will be the standard-bearer of a distinctively better family of boxwood. These plants have proven through years of testing to have better tolerance of boxwood blight, better resistance to boxwood leafminer, and an overall stunning appearance in the landscape.
What Does Boxwood Blight Look Like?
Rapid defoliation, which usually starts on the lower branches and moves upward in the canopy is the first tell-tale sign of boxwood blight. Another key symptom that differentiates boxwood blight from other boxwood diseases are the narrow black streaks that develop on the green stems. The undersides of infected leaves may also show white spores. English boxwood, Buxus sempervirens, are most susceptible.
If you believe you have boxwood that is infected with boxwood blight, it’s best to remove it as soon as possible. Remove the plant and all of the roots, as well as any fallen leaves or debris on the ground. As a preventative measure, wipe off your tools with a weak bleach solution to stop the possible spread of the disease to other boxwood plants. Clean your clothes and shoes to prevent spreading the disease to other locations. Please do not return any plants to the garden center if you are concerned about boxwood blight. Instead, take a photo and send it to us via our contact form.
Modern-day Gardeners Are Rediscovering Their AppealWhile the formal gardens of Europe, some centuries old, are responsible for putting boxwood on the map, the Egyptian’s were using boxwood in gardens as long ago as 4000 BC.
Through the centuries many styles of landscape design have come and gone but boxwood is likely to be found in nearly all of them. In France we still see endless miles of boxwood hedges around chateaus; they adorn English cottage gardens and show up as topiary in the Netherlands.
- provide instant elegance, year-round
- are deer and rabbit resistant
- are versatile - may grow in both sun and shade
- are drought tolerant once established
- are long-lived and fill multiple design needs
And now, the next generation of boxwood shrubs, NewGen, also offers pest and disease resistance.
Whether you prefer a formal setting or a more casual style, boxwood are up to the task. With their strong shape and evergreen habit, boxwood performs in the garden year-round. In the grey of the winter months, the rich green foliage provides old-world formality, and as the spring debuts, so do its bright colors. Boxwood give us a rich green backdrop as foundation plants. Easily pruned, these shrubs make wonderful hedges or can become whimsical works of art as topiaries.
To learn more about NewGen Boxwoods, visit newgenboxwood.com. Or visit Homestead Gardens! Our expert staff is always on hand to answer any questions you may have.