NewGen Freedom® Boxwood (Buxus NewGen Freedom® 'SB 300') is an improved evergreen boxwood prized for its glossy green foliage, vigorous growth, and enhanced resistance to common boxwood problems. Developing a dense, rounded habit that is slightly taller than wide, it provides year-round structure and classic boxwood character for both formal and residential landscapes.
Unlike many slower-growing boxwoods, NewGen Freedom grows approximately 3-6 inches per year, allowing it to establish and fill out relatively quickly. It was specifically selected for its good resistance to boxwood blight and excellent resistance to boxwood leafminer, making it an excellent alternative to many traditional boxwood varieties.
NewGen Freedom is particularly well suited for foundation plantings, medium hedges, borders, formal gardens, mass plantings, or as an evergreen specimen. Its dense growth responds very well to pruning and can be maintained as a formal hedge or allowed to develop a more naturally rounded appearance.
More About NewGen Freedom Boxwood
- Low Maintenance
- Fast Growing for a Boxwood
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Year-Round Interest
- Good Boxwood Blight Resistance
- Excellent Boxwood Leafminer Resistance
- Foundation Planting, Hedge, Border, Mass Planting, Formal Garden, Specimen
- Dense, Rounded Habit
- Glossy Green Foliage
- Deer Resistant
- Pruning Tolerant
Height: 4-5 Feet
Spread: 4-5 Feet
Hardiness Zone: 5-8
Characteristics
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Shade
- Season of Interest: Year Round
- Soil Moisture: Average, Well Draining
- Attributes: Evergreen, Dense, Rounded, Pruning Tolerant
- Foliage Color: Glossy Green
Care & Maintenance Tips
Planting:
Plant in full sun to shade in well-drained soil. NewGen Freedom is adaptable to a range of light conditions but benefits from protection from harsh winter sun and wind in exposed locations. Provide adequate spacing and air circulation to promote healthy foliage.
Watering:
Water consistently during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, provide supplemental water during extended periods of hot, dry weather. Avoid consistently saturated or poorly drained soil.
Fertilizing:
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring if needed. Avoid excessive fertilization. A light layer of mulch around the root zone can help maintain consistent soil moisture.
Pruning:
NewGen Freedom is more vigorous than many boxwoods and benefits from annual pruning. Prune in late winter to early spring to maintain a dense, compact form. Without regular pruning, older plants may begin to open in the center.
Disease Prevention:
NewGen Freedom has good resistance to boxwood blight and excellent resistance to boxwood leafminer, but it is not completely immune to boxwood blight. Maintain good air circulation and proper watering practices, and avoid planting in locations with a history of severe boxwood blight.
