Seasonal shifts, especially from late summer into early fall, introduce a variety of stressors to the landscape. High temperatures, inconsistent rainfall, and elevated humidity can weaken commonly used shrubs, leading to symptoms like wilting, discoloration, and in some cases, dieback. Traditional boxwoods are particularly sensitive during this transition, often showing signs of stress such as bronzing foliage, thinning, or increased disease susceptibility.
Better Boxwood was developed to overcome these limitations. With enhanced environmental tolerance and proven resistance to boxwood blight, it offers a modern solution for dependable structure, evergreen appeal, and strong performance in all seasons.
Understanding the Impact of Seasonal Stress
As summer winds down, landscapes face a complex combination of conditions: depleted soil moisture, wide fluctuations in day-to-night temperatures, and late-season humidity that promotes fungal growth. These elements can challenge even the healthiest plants, and traditional boxwoods are no exception. Their susceptibility to poor air circulation and disease often leads to visible decline during a time when they’re expected to provide year-round structure.
Better Boxwood is specifically bred to perform under these conditions. Its improved airflow, adaptability, and disease resistance allow it to maintain vigor and appearance when others begin to show signs of stress.
What Makes Better Boxwood Different
Better Boxwood is the first blight-resistant boxwood series introduced in North America. Its strength lies in a combination of performance-focused traits that reduce maintenance while enhancing year-round reliability.
- Adaptable root systems help the plant recover quickly from drought or temperature extremes.
- Evergreen foliage maintains its rich color with minimal bronzing, even in winter.
- Compact, uniform growth allows for clean structure without constant pruning.
These qualities make Better Boxwood ideal for everything from formal hedges and foundation plantings to privacy screens and container designs. Its consistent performance across seasons sets it apart in both residential and professional landscapes.
Maintaining Plant Health Through Seasonal Transitions
While Better Boxwood is designed for resilience, proper care during late summer and fall enhances long-term success:
- Water consistently, especially during dry spells. Deep watering supports root development and moisture retention.
- Mulch with 2–3 inches of organic material to regulate soil temperature and reduce water loss.
- Prune lightly to shape and remove damaged growth, but avoid heavy shearing late in the season.
- Avoid late fertilization. If needed, apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer earlier in the growing season to prevent tender growth before frost.
- Plant in early fall when cooler air and warm soil create ideal conditions for root establishment before winter.
Built for Beauty. Engineered for Endurance.
With its ability to withstand environmental challenges, resist disease, and maintain visual impact across seasons, Better Boxwood offers a smart, lasting investment for any landscape. Whether you’re framing a front entry, designing layered borders, or building year-round privacy, Better Boxwood brings the strength and style to match your vision.
See the seasonal strength of Better Boxwood firsthand in gardening expert Linda Vater’s landscape:
Ready to plant with confidence?
Explore the Better Boxwood collection and find the variety that’s right for your landscape goals.