shrub

NewGen Freedom Boxwood

Name: NewGen Freedom Boxwood
Brand: Buxus
Availability: InStock

Buxus microphylla 'Newgen Freedom'

$38.95

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

42 inches

Width

42 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Very long-lived evergreen shrub

Native To

Japan

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Buxus microphylla, or littleleaf boxwood, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub valued for its fine-textured foliage, dense growth, and adaptability to shearing. It is a cornerstone of formal garden design. 'NewGen Freedom' (cultivar name 'SB 108') is a modern selection specifically bred for high resistance to boxwood blight and good tolerance to boxwood leafminer. It has a vigorous, rounded habit that can be shaped or left natural.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

NewGen Freedom Boxwood provides the classic, fine-textured, evergreen structure that is essential for formal gardens, parterres, and elegant foundation plantings. Its naturally rounded shape is attractive on its own or can be easily sheared into globes, squares, or low hedges, offering year-round beauty and definition.

Its primary practical benefit is its high resistance to boxwood blight, a devastating disease that has limited the use of other boxwood varieties. This makes it a more reliable and sustainable choice for long-term landscape investments. It is also deer and rabbit resistant.

While not a major wildlife plant, its inconspicuous spring flowers do provide an early source of nectar and pollen for bees and other small pollinators. The dense evergreen structure also offers some degree of shelter for small birds during inclement weather.

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with well-drained soil; amend heavy clay if necessary.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Position the plant so the top of the root ball is slightly above soil level.
Backfill with native soil, avoiding amendments in the hole.
Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Apply a thin layer of mulch to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage and air circulation to maximize its genetic resistance to boxwood blight. Avoid overhead watering.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide good air circulation by spacing plants properly.
Water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry.
Perform a soil test and maintain a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
Clean pruning tools between plants to prevent disease spread.

Don't

Don't plant in poorly drained, wet soil.
Avoid piling mulch against the stems, which can cause rot.
Don't allow the plant to dry out completely, especially in its first year.
Refrain from excessive fertilization, which can harm the plant.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Disease-resistant formal hedgingClassic foundation plantingVersatile container topiary

Companion Plants

Hydrangea paniculata Hosta Heuchera Astilbe Hakonechloa macra

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

NewGen Freedom Boxwood questions

What zones can NewGen Freedom Boxwood grow in?

NewGen Freedom Boxwood is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is NewGen Freedom Boxwood deer resistant?

Yes — NewGen Freedom Boxwood is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does NewGen Freedom Boxwood bloom?

NewGen Freedom Boxwood typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does NewGen Freedom Boxwood need full sun?

NewGen Freedom Boxwood does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is NewGen Freedom Boxwood drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), NewGen Freedom Boxwood handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.