Buxus ‘Newgen Independence’ 2Gal

Latin Name: Buxus NewGen Independence® (‘SB108’, PP28,888)

Common Name: NewGen Independence Boxwood

Zones: 5-8 (5b-8)

Height & Spread: 3-4.5 feet tall, spreading 3-4.5 feet wide (some sources list 2-3 feet or up to 5 feet)

Descriptive Features: A compact, dense evergreen boxwood found as a chance seedling near Williamsburg, Virginia, and selected by Saunders Brothers Nursery for high tolerance to boxwood blight and resistance to boxwood leafminer. Forms a rounded, nearly-as-tall-as-wide mound of small, glossy, slightly elongated, deep green leaves that hold their color through winter. Grows at a medium rate, about 2-4 inches per year, with strong branching that can carry heavy snow loads, and it is considered the best replacement for English boxwood in size and shape. Handles formal plantings well and responds nicely to pruning, with late winter to early spring the best time to trim. Thrives in full sun to full shade in average, moist, well-drained soil, and it tolerates heat, humidity, and some drought. Deer- and rabbit-resistant. Because it is a good fit for pots, it also works as a “thriller” in container combinations. Not recommended for landscapes with a history of severe boxwood blight. An excellent choice for low hedges, foundation plantings, parterres, accents, containers, and specimen use in full sun to part shade.