NewGen Independence®

NewGen Independence® offers classic boxwood beauty with good resistance to boxwood blight as well as good performance in boxwood leafminer trials. Its growth is similar to Buxus microphylla ‘Green Beauty’ but has much better boxwood leafminer resistance and the leaves are slightly more elongated. NewGen Independence® was a chance seedling found in the Williamsburg, Virginia area. Note all boxwood cultivars show some level of susceptibility to boxwood blight under extreme circumstances. We do not recommend replanting boxwood in sites with a history of severe boxwood blight.

Cultivar: Buxus NewGen Independence® ‘SB 108’ PP28888

Zone: 5b-8

Growth Rate: Medium, 2 to 4 inches per year

Exposure: sun, part sun, shade

Attributes: NewGen Independence® is a very deep green, medium-sized cultivar that holds excellent color throughout the winter. It has a rounded habit that is nearly as tall as wide. In new gardens and landscapes, consider it as a substitute for Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’ (English Boxwood). Branching structure is very strong, allowing it to withstand most moderate to heavy snow loads. Deer resistant!

Care: NewGen Independence® should be pruned lightly in late winter to early spring to maintain uniform shape. It is not uncommon for fall frosts to burn new growth that occurred in the late summer or fall. These burned shoots can be removed in late fall after first freeze or in late winter/early spring depending on the gardener’s preference. Space plants to ensure good air movement and apply a light layer of mulch annually. Visit the Boxwood Care portion of our website for more information. Note all boxwood cultivars show some level of susceptibility to boxwood blight under extreme circumstances. We do not recommend replanting boxwood in sites with a history of severe boxwood blight.

Uses: Medium specimen, medium hedge, foundation plant.

Substitute for: ‘Green Beauty,’ ‘Suffruticosa,’ ‘Green Velvet,’ ‘Green Mound’

Size: 15 years (3’ Tall and 3’ Wide) 25 years (4.5’ Tall and 4.5’ Wide)