Heritage - Better Boxwood

Introducing the Better Boxwood Heritage - the model of garden refinement and resilience. With over two decades of breeding and trials we are prepared to present to you the blight resistant, blight fighter line up! The Evergreen Better Boxwood Heritage is a novel blight-resistant box variant with glossy green leaves and is similar to the classic Buxus sempervirens, but it remains compact.

The Better Boxwood Heritage is a compact and versatile shrub, growing to dimensions of 3–4’ in height and 2–3’ in width. Its moderate size and dense, deep green foliage make it an ideal choice for a variety of landscape settings. Given its dimensions this shrub is able to shine when used as a low hedge, framing pathways or entrances. Its symmetry also makes it an excellent candidate for topiary designs.

The environmentally conscious gardeners can take solace in the fact that this cultivar is sustainably bred to resist the dreaded boxwood blight and other common pests. This means less reliance on chemical treatments, leading to a healthier garden ecosystem. Invest in the future of your garden with the Better Boxwood Heritage Boxwood.

Better Boxwood - The Blight Fighter

This new cultivar of Boxwoods has been bred to be more resistant to boxwood blight which a devastating disease that affects traditional boxwoods. Boxwood blight is caused by the fungus Calonectria pseudonaviculata and can lead to rapid defoliation and death of the plants.

Although bred to be blight resistant, it's always a good idea to follow best practices for boxwood care to ensure the healthiest plants. This includes proper spacing for airflow, not watering the foliage directly, and regularly inspecting for any signs of disease or pests.

Better Boxwood Heritage Care

Better Boxwood Sunlight Requirements

The Heritage Boxwood, like many Boxwood shrubs, prefers a location with full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should receive between 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. In full sun, they tend to grow more densely and may have a richer color. However, they can handle shaded areas, especially if the shade is dappled or if it's a location that gets some morning or late afternoon sun.

When To Prune Better Boxwood Shrubs

The ideal time for pruning or shaping is in late winter or early spring, just before the new growth begins. This allows you to remove any winter-damaged branches and shape the shrub for the upcoming season. Expect to prune the Heritage Boxwood 2-3 times per year to maintain its shape.

For light shaping or minor touch-ups, you can gently prune during the growth phase. However, refrain from extensive pruning in the late summer or autumn, as it may stimulate fresh growth that may not become resilient before the winter weather soon to set in.

Are Better Boxwoods Cold Hardy?

YES! The Heritage Boxwood flourishes in numerous USDA hardiness zones, demonstrating its versatility and robustness in different weather conditions. It is especially well-suited for zones 5 to 9, showcasing its capacity to manage the temperature swings in these areas. Specifically, USDA Hardiness Zone 5 is characterized by a moderate climate where the average winter lows range from -20°F to -10°F.

How Often Do Boxwoods Need to Be Watered?

For optimal growth and health, the Heritage prefers well-draining soil, ensuring its roots are not left waterlogged and susceptible to rot. When it comes to watering, a consistent yet moderate routine is best, ensuring the soil remains moist but not overly saturated. The ideal soil type for this boxwood is a loamy blend that is rich in organic matter. Contrary to common perception, Boxwoods do NOT care for acidic soil. Plant in soil with a pH between 6.5-7.2.