"What's Up With My Boxwood?" - Late Winter Edition

Author: Holly Scoggins, Program Manager

Many of us experienced a relatively warm late fall and early winter. Late December in my own Southwest Virginia garden (Zone 6b, 2100’ elevation) saw some perennials emerging that had no business even peeping until early spring, plus a bit of new growth on some evergreens. Then blammo! Temperatures dropped dramatically, winds increased, snow and ice became the norm for January, and the first half of February hasn’t been much better. What an excellent time to review a few common winter issues for boxwood! Note that as with most things Buxus, susceptibility to abiotic or biotic issues is usually species- or cultivar-specific.  Start with cultivars that are cold-hardy in your geographic region – check tags and other resources as to USDA cold hardiness zone.  Here are a few of those frequently asked questions.

FAQ #1: What’s up with the cream/tan/straw-colored foliage at the tips of branches?

New growth can be susceptible to cold damage, resulting in bleached or desiccated foliage.

Chances are this was new growth that hadn’t had the chance to harden off. The same damage can occur on fresh growth in spring that gets hit by a late freeze. Gradual acclimatization to cold (and then to warm) is ideal but doesn’t always happen. And as with many woody plants, don’t encourage late-season growth. Fertilizer applications and pruning in late summer and early fall can stimulate fresh foliage that is susceptible to damage. Be sure landscape or nursery plants are well-watered going into an extreme cold spell to limit desiccation. While this bleached foliage is unattractive, rarely is the health of the plant compromised. Simply snip off damaged foliage and twig tips in spring.

FAQ #2 Should I remove the ice and/or snow weighing down the branches?

Buxus sempervirens branches can bend under the weight of significant snowfall. 

Nothing insulates and protects hardy plants better than a nice blanket of snow.  However, rarely is the snow deep enough to completely cover shrubs. The weight of snow and ice over exterior branches can cause them to snap or split.  The chance for damage is exacerbated by whacking at the wintery build-up with a broom or shovel – a too-common practice. Let it melt naturally if possible.  If additional snow and/or ice is expected to the point of concern for breakage under the load, remove by gently shaking or brushing with gloved hands. 

FAQ #3:  Why is my boxwood foliage bronze/orange in winter? 

Bronzing happens!

“Bronzing” is the boxwood term for the appearance of purple-to-orange anthocyanin pigments that can occur in winter. The discoloration can affect one side, the whole plant, or just the tips. Bronzing is much more likely to occur on boxwood planted in full sun, especially with southwestern exposure. The pigment change is not harmful to the plant, as the foliage greens up in the spring – but you may consider a shadier or more appropriate site for that specimen. Again, susceptibility to bronzing is a bit cultivar-specific. If the aesthetics of bronzing are an issue and your boxwood will be sited in full sun, pick a cultivar shown to be less prone to the condition.

For a list of cultivars and much more information on winter care of boxwood – visit the NewGen® Boxwood site https://www.NewGen®boxwood.com/boxwood-care#winter

Boxwood - A Holiday Tradition

Boxwood has been used as a component of holiday décor for close to 200 years in North America.The long-lasting, evergreen foliage is perfect for garlands, swags, centerpieces, mantle decorations, and the ever-popular wreath.  

A classic, simple boxwood wreath will last well into the New Year. Design and photo: Annie Saunders.

Wreaths can be boxwood-only (farmhouse-style), or added to other mixed greenery such as holly, juniper, fir, pine, cedar, magnolia, etc.  Any healthy boxwood species or cultivars will do!  For variation - if you’ve got access to any Buxus harlandii species or cultivars such as ‘Richard’, the glossy, elongated leaves are especially interesting.  Also consider B. microphylla ‘John Baldwin’ and B. sempervirens ‘Fastigiata’ - both have blue-green cast to the foliage. A few sprigs of cream or gold variegated boxwood such as B. sempervirens ‘Elegantissima’ or  B. microphylla ‘Golden Dream’ really lights up the piece. 

Here’s a florist’s trick to keep the boxwood fresher, longer: submerge/soak the pieces in water for up to 12 hours.   Allow to dry, then apply an antidessicant/antitranspirent product such as Wilt Pruf - either to the pieces or the finished wreath. As with everything else DIY, there are oodles of YouTube videos that demonstrate wreath construction -  the process of wiring or otherwise securing the boxwood pieces and other décor to wire, foam, or vine wreath forms. 

Let’s repeat an important point mention previously:  healthy boxwood. If not properly handled, infected holiday greenery can introduce boxwood blight (Calonectria pseudonaviculata) to areas not previously impacted. If you’re not taking your own cuttings, try to purchase greenery from a reputable nursery, preferably in a state blight compliance/cleanliness program (see state Department of Agriculture listings).  Inspect carefully for any signs of boxwood blight (visit https://www.newgenboxwood.com/boxwood-blight-1#identify for photos of symptoms). Fungal spore structures can persist throughout cold weather. The main objective is to  prevent contact of any potentially infected material with boxwood in the surrounding landscape. To minize risk even with clean-looking material, be sure to follow boxwood blight BMPs for disposal - double bag and send to the landfill. Do not compost or add to your brushpile.  Sanitize pruners or shears used after shaping your décor.  Just a few simple steps will help keep your own boxwood safe while enjoying the classic beauty of boxwood for the holidays!

For inspiration, here’s a beautiful boxwood wreath created at the Saunders Brothers Farmers Market. Sprigs of Buxus sempervirens ‘Elegantissima’ and winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata ) are perfect accents - no bow required! Design and photo: Annie Saunders Burnett.

How to Make a Boxwood Wreath

Have you ever wondered how boxwood wreaths are made? This holiday season we tuned in with Tom Saunders at Saunders Brothers, Inc. in Piney River, Virginia to learn how they make their wreaths. Saunders Brothers has been making and selling holiday wreaths at their local farm market for over 20 years!

This tutorial video shares common wreath production processes, and will take you through the steps of how to make one at home.

For more information on the history of boxwood holiday decorations and how cuttings are collected around the United States, check out our article Boxwood Holiday Decorations.

A Year for Gratitude

By: Lindsay Day

As the clock struck midnight at 12:00 AM on January 1st, 2020, a new decade began and with it came feelings of hope for new beginnings. Unfortunately, 2020 had other plans. Daily life turned upside down as a global pandemic unfurled and feelings of uncertainty and anxiety took the place of hope and promise. Suddenly much had changed. Work, life, and school all went virtual, events were cancelled, travel ceased, and everyone was spending much more time at home. Though we hoped life would go back to normal within a few weeks, eight months later we continue to fight the pandemic and adjust to a new way of life.

My garden flourished in early spring with NewGen Independence®, NewGen Freedom®, and some colorful perennials because of all the extra attention it received and the joy it brought me.

As easy as it would be to look at these circumstances and feel defeated and discouraged, there are many things to be grateful for. With the Thanksgiving holiday right around the corner and the end of the year not far behind it, it is important to take a moment to reflect with gratitude on the lessons of the past year.  In times of crisis, humans need something that makes them feel grounded, and for many people, they turned to their greenspaces to bring on a sense of stability.

Among the many changes of the past year is the addition of masks to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, but they can’t hide the smile of Augustin as he prunes the field boxwood.

Spring is typically a busy season for the horticulture industry, but as many nurseries, retailers, and landscapers were considered essential business, this year brought record breaking sales across the country. A recent virtual event with NewGen® growers reported booming plant sales. Part of the boom was brought on by a young generation, who were thought to not be interested in gardening. Part was certainly due to seasoned horticulturists starting projects they had put off for years. Another market, which we didn’t realize existed, was people adding greenery to their new home office environment. Plant sales were strong and steady through the spring and early summer.

My dog, Zuko, enjoys the sunshine while lounging on the back porch with my sprouted vegetable seeds.

There is something in every aspect of gardening that provides a channel for different energies. This year as I noticed myself frustrated and angry with the current circumstances, I found satisfaction in weeding, pruning, or digging the perfect hole for my new boxwood. When I felt discouraged, I found hope in the sprouted vegetable seeds on my back porch or in new life buzzing around my flower beds. Most importantly when everything happening around me felt uncontrollable and unstable, my garden provided sanctuary and stability. I was tired of being cooped up and getting outside to sink my hands into the soil brought so much relief. Humans have always been drawn to nature, and through times of crisis, peace can be found in nature.

This year marked the official release of the NewGen® plants. While on one of my trips to the local garden center, I was thrilled to see NewGen Freedom® out “in the wild!”

This young NewGen Independence® looked bright after it’s spring flush.

So as a horticulturist by trade and enthusiast by nature, the spark that has reinvigorated the industry and reminded many people about the joy that is found in plants, is something that I am immensely grateful for. As a whole, we all can share in the experience of the past year and we all have our stories and ways of coping to get us to where we are today. This past year has forced me to slow down and appreciate the little victories and joys in the day-to-day activities of life. Though we have been forced to “social distance” and stay physically apart, I believe we have learned new ways to stay connected because we are all in this together. Our best option is to reflect on the past year with grateful hearts and look to the future with hope and promise. Most importantly, keep planting!

Partner Highlights: Sheridan Nurseries

Celebrating over 100 years in business, Sheridan Nurseries is a premier grower in eastern North America. Located in Ontario, Canada, they provide trees, shrubs, and perennials to central, eastern, north eastern, and northern Canada, as well as, the central United States. Sheridan Nurseries spreads out over 900 acres of land, 54 acres of prop, and 260 acres of container growing area where they produce over 600 perennial varieties and more than 600 hardy nursery stock varieties.

Early beginnings of Sheridan Nursery. Photo Credit: Sheridan Nursery

It all began in the early 1900s when two British architects settled in Ontario. Disappointed in the lack of locally grown ornamental plants, they purchased 100 acres of land near the village of Sheridan. They then recruited Swedish born Herman Stensson and his family to help establish the nursery in the spring of 1914. Over the next decade they doubled in size spanning 250 acres of tree, shrub, evergreen, rose, and perennial production.

Spread out over 900 acres, Sheridan Nursery grows a wide variety of shrubs and perennials. Photo Credit: Sheridan Nursery

Sheridan Nurseries began bringing in new plants starting with the first Boxwood into Ontario from Korea and the first Japanese Yew seed from Japan in the 1920’s. After WWII they continued an extensive program of plant selection and made many plant introductions to the industry, including Green Gem, Green Mountain and Green Velvet Boxwood, Ivory Silk Lilac Tree, Mountbatten Juniper, Glenleven Linden and DeGroot’s Spire Cedar to name a few.

They continue this spirit of innovation as partners with Saunders Genetics, bringing the NewGen® Boxwood program to the industry.  They have been crucial in trialing and evaluating NewGen Freedom® and NewGen Independence® boxwood in their growing environment. For more information about their story or to view their availability, check out their website: www.SheridanNurseries.com. You can learn more about NewGen® growers on the Professional Grower Info page on the NewGen® website.

Partner Highlight: Overdevest Nurseries

An aerial view of Overdevest Nurseries.

Overdevest Nurseries has been a premier plant grower in the northeastern United States for nearly 70 years.  Family-owned and operated, the nursery grows more than 2,000 varieties of shrubs, trees, vines, and perennials on nearly 300 acres of land.  They provide exceptional plant material to independent garden centers and distributors within a 300-mile radius of their farm in Bridgeton, New Jersey.

John and Jean Overdevest and their young family.

John and Jean Overdevest left war-torn Holland in 1952, settling in southern New Jersey and establishing a fledgling nursery specializing in the field production of azaleas, rhododendrons, dogwoods and Japanese maples.  Their son Ed came back to the nursery in 1975 after completing his education at Cornell University in New York.  Through the 1980s and 1990s, the farm continued to expand through dedication to sustainability and the installation of water recovery basins for recycling irrigation run-off,  eventually moving into container plant production.

Ed Overdevest returning to the farm after graduating from Cornell in 1975.

The next generation, Ed and Gail Overdevest and their family.

What began as the dream of two immigrants quickly grew into a prosperous nursery operation through hard work and determination.  Now in their third generation, Overdevest Nurseries’ commitment to quality and sustainability grows stronger each year.

Overdevest Nurseries has partnered with Saunders Genetics to bring the NewGen® brand to life.  They have been crucial in trialing and evaluating NewGen Freedom® and NewGen Independence® boxwood in their growing environment.

Part of the Overdevest Nurseries team at IGC in 2015.

For more information on Overdevest Nurseries or to view their plant availability, go to their website at www.overdevestnurseries.com.  You can learn more about NewGen® growers on the Professional Grower Info page on the NewGen® website.

The New Normal: June 2020

Taking temperatures of workers as they arrive for work

By: Bennett Saunders

We all face changes every day.  We all face challenges every day.  We never know what those challenges will be.

The only constant in life is change.  But who saw this one coming?

One of the marks of a successful individual or business is the fact that he/she can face change, adapt to it, and even in some cases, seize opportunity in change.

The Coronavirus mess is disheartening.  Grandmothers, health care workers, public servants, and others are suffering.  It is truly a demoralizing event to sit through the 6:00 news at night.

On March 15, it appeared that the whole world was coming to an end.  Businesses closed.  There was no income.  There was no money flowing.  People were staying at home.

The politicians finally acted wisely.  From the lessons learned in the Great Depression, they got together (yes, that was unbelievable) and moved enormous amounts of money to individuals and businesses so that the world didn’t clam up and quit.  It appears to have worked.

This too shall pass.

The New Normal attire for pruning boxwood

Over a period of several months, we saw that things would keep going.  We were still grocery shopping.  We still were eating dinner, and as a matter of fact, we did it more as a family.  We had more time, so we made phone calls to relatives and friends and the conversations were more meaningful.  The Rat Race slowed down, and we remembered what was important.

We are hearing from business acquaintances everywhere that the Green Industry is booming.  As people spend a few more minutes in their back-porch swing, they are truly taking in the simple beauty of their gardens.  Those who are fortunate enough to be working from home have more money and more time.  The grass is getting mowed more frequently, the mulching is getting done, and everyone is excited about the new colors of hydrangea that are available when they drive down to the local garden shop.

Is this a long-term trend, or a fad?  Most experts believe that some very long-lasting and permanent changes in human behavior will result from this pandemic.  Some people will find themselves permanently working from home.  Just when we thought everybody was moving into the inner city, and their entire world would be defined by tall buildings and concrete, the Coronavirus stopped us in our tracks.  Everybody . . . yes, everybody appreciates open space, green landscapes, simple flowers, and fresh air.  This is a great time to be a part of the Green Industry!  

APHIS Takes Step to Slow Possible Boxwood Tree Moth Introduction

An example of the damage caused by the Boxwood Tree Moth.

There is good news from the Animal and Plant Health Inspections Service (APHIS) this month! APHIS has approved the federal order restricting the importation of Buxus, Euonymous, and Ilex from Canada, in an effort to reduce the possibility of introduction of the Boxwood Tree Moth to the United States. This amendment is an important step in the right direction to protect boxwood and other crops from infestation.

Although the Boxwood Tree Moth has not been found in the United States, it has devastated boxwood production in Europe and was identified in Ontario, Canada in October 2018. Since then, Canada has been working to mitigate the spread of the pest.

This recent amendment, effective as of March 3, 2020, states that, “the importation of all propagative plant material, except seeds, of certain hosts of box tree moth are Not Authorized Pending Pest Risk Analysis.” It also states new requirements for shipments imported from Canada, including phytosanitary certificates with an additional declaration certifying that the plants fulfill certain requirements. These plants must have been produced in a facility or area recognized by CFIA as free of box tree moth or, the shipment has been officially inspected and found to be free of the pest.

Steps like these drastically decrease the movement of possibly infected material. Unfortunately, without protections like these, invasive species can quickly spread and cause devastation. Taking the necessary actions early in the process drastically reduces the likelihood of an introduction of this pest.

Both the larvae (caterpillar) and pupae stages of the Box Tree Moth, characterized by their bright green color with black stripes.

The adult form of the Box Tree Moth with the distinct white “cresent” shaped spot on each wing.

Partner Highlights: Willoway Nurseries

Willoway Nurseries, a third generation, family owned business is one of the largest wholesale growers in the Midwest and ranks in the top 40 growers nationwide. Located outside of Cleveland, and just south of Lake Erie, they provide quality plants to the Midwest and across the US.

From humble beginnings, Les Demaline at age 18, became the sole proprietor of Willoway Nursery in 1954. Named after a row of willow trees that grew along his parent’s house, the nursery began with Les growing propagated geraniums, taxus, and other evergreens plants in hot-bed houses.

Through the years the nursery has grown substantially, expanding to multiple farms, covering approximately 550 acres of field production and 450 acres of container plants, including 32 acres of climate-controlled greenhouses. Willoway has a diverse inventory with over 2,000 varieties of quality trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and tropical plants, and participates in many of the biggest national brands.

Willoway Nurseries has been essential in working with Saunders Genetics to trial NewGen Freedom® and NewGen Independence® at their nursery. Last year we joined WIlloway in their booth at Cultivate to announce our first two plant selections. You can read more about their nursery here.

Our partners are an essential part of who we are, we are excited to work with Willoway and several other growers to launch this problem-solving line of boxwood. To learn more about our partners, or if you have interest in becoming a partner, check out the partners page on the website.

Boxwood Holiday Decorations

Boxwood have been a cherished landscape ornamental for centuries but are also appreciated by many for the charm they can bring around the house during the holidays. Since landing in America in the colonial era, they have graced our landscapes, been used in instruments, and have become a noteworthy piece of holiday decor. It is a popular holiday tradition to weave sprigs of boxwood together to form wreaths, garland, swags, and small trees for Christmas displays. Live cut boxwood can last several weeks if properly preserved, making them perfect for the holiday season.

This is a specimen plant that has been used for wreath cuttings.

Boxwood will flush from the exposed stems,but will take a while to fill back in entirely.

Many growers have made an industry around this where they grow boxwood specimens to be used as cutting material in these decorative items. Large boxwood are trimmed drastically to provide the material. These branches are bagged and shipped around to different florists and designers who incorporate them into decorative pieces. Though it looks harsh, boxwood shrubs are very tolerant of pruning and will flush from the old exposed trunks, and eventually fill back in.  

It is important to remember when using boxwood in decorative items that the original plant is free of boxwood blight. Boxwood blight is a fungal pathogen with sticky spores that survive on desiccated boxwood leaves and branches. These spores can spread to healthy plants if they come in contact, or water splashes from the infected material to the healthy plant. If you are bringing home a beautiful new boxwood wreath, it is important to ask where the plant material came from and be sure it is free of boxwood blight. At a minimum, when the Christmas season comes to a close and it’s time to dispose of the wreath, do so in the garbage and do not compost or place near the boxwood in the landscape.

A truck filled with bags of Christmas greens, including boxwood.

Boxwood decorations have been a part of the Christmas decor for centuries and provide a way to bring parts of the outdoor landscape into the home to beautify any living space.

Boxwood Around the World

The Buxus genus includes many species of boxwood that are native to different parts of the world. They are versatile shrubs that have been planted in gardens for thousands of years. Whether a formal setting or a more casual style, boxwood are up for the task. With its strong shape and evergreen habit, boxwood perform in the garden year-round. In the grey of the winter months, the rich green foliage provides old-world formality, and as the spring debuts its bright colors, boxwood provide a rich green backdrop as foundation plants. With a high tolerance to pruning, these shrubs make wonderful hedges or can become works of art as topiaries.

As one travels around the globe, you are likely to spot boxwood in all kinds of shapes and sizes. The majority of Buxus species are considered tropical or sub-tropical, but the more commonly cultivated European, American, and Asian species are very frost tolerant and have migrated away from the tropics.

As part of our dedication to learning all we can from boxwood growers around the world, our team has spent some time traveling and spotting boxwood along the way. Here we share some of our favorite plantings of boxwood to highlight their versatility and bring you some inspiration.

United States:

Starting on our home turf, the United States has many diverse climates but you will find boxwood in almost every state. From the sunny streets of San Francisco, California to the bustling metropolis of Indianapolis, Indiana to the quiet foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, you’ll find our favorite evergreen.

San Francisco, CA

San Francisco, CA

Even the famous Lombard Street, known as being “the crookedest street in the world” is lined with boxwood hedges.

Washington, DC

These boxwood form a hedge in the Rose Garden at The White House.

Washington, DC

These ‘Vardar Valley’ boxwood get to peek into the Oval Office from the garden at The White House.

Indianapolis, IN

Indianapolis, IN

Boston, MA

Annapolis, MD

Annapolis, MD

Annapolis, MD

Oregon

Baltimore, MD

Cincinnati, OH

Cincinnati, OH

Nelson, VA

This charming pig topiary is found in rural Virginia.

Raleigh, NC

Raleigh, NC

Canada

Like the United States, Canada has varying climates coast to coast. The western coast tends to have milder temperatures, lots of overcast days, and a good bit of rain, where as the eastern coast can see colder winters. However, boxwood are found in many landscapes throughout the country.

Vancouver, BC

What a stunning spiral hedge.

Victoria, BC

Vancouver, BC

They even make great specimens!

Victoria, BC

Victoria, BC

Vancouver, BC

Vancouver, BC

Vancouver, BC

Vancouver, BC

Vancouver, BC

Vancouver, BC

Europe

The formal gardens found in many European countries, some dating back thousands of years are arguably responsible for putting boxwood on the map as an ornamental crop. Through the years many other styles of landscape architecture have become popular, but you are still very likely to find boxwood mixed in. Whether they are in the miles of hedges found in French Chateaus, or small living fences in English Vegetable gardens, or specimens and topiaries in the Netherlands, boxwood are sure to make an appearance. You will even find native boxwood growing wild in many forests on the European continent. These native specimens have historically been more than just ornamental crops, and were used in historical medicine. You can also find the wood used in carpentry due to its thick density and strength.

Florence, Italy

Florence, Italy

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

Arajuez, Spain

Arajuez, Spain

Arajuez, Spain

The Alhambra, Spain

The Alhambra, Spain

The Alhambra, Spain

Toledo, Spain

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Belgium

West Sussex, England

A very old specimen of boxwood!

Angers, France

Château de Villandry, France

Château de Villandry, France

Château de Villandry, France

Château de Villandry, France

Château de Villandry, France

This is only a snippet of photos from our archives. There are many more gardens in the world filled with boxwood. While traveling, keep an eye out for boxwood in all shapes and sizes!

Meet the Team!

We had such a blast meeting so many of you over the past few weeks, we thought we’d take a minute to introduce ourselves. Right now, our NewGen team is made up of just two boxwood enthusiasts, Bennett Saunders and Lindsay Day, leading the charge of the Boxwood Revolution.

Bennett Saunders learning a new pruning technique to combat Boxwood Blight.

Bennett Saunders leads our team as the General Manager, bringing over 36 years of experience in the industry to our team. He balances his NewGen responsibilities with his other duties as the Chief of Operations for Field and Fruit Production for Saunders Brothers Nursery. This means not only can he share a wealth of knowledge on all thing’s boxwood, but he has years of experience growing fruit trees. Since 2011 with the threat of Boxwood Blight in the United States, Bennett has taken initiative to learn everything he could about the disease, traveling to Europe to see the disease first hand as well as meeting with researchers in the U.S. to learn about how to combat the disease here.

Through years of testing, and trialing over 150 cultivars, it was clear that the solution might be bigger than just Saunders Brothers. As Richard Branson once said, “If someone offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later.” So as NewGen began to form, Bennett looked at this as an opportunity to share his passion for boxwood and the promising future still ahead of them, with the industry.

Lindsay inspects container boxwood plants at Saunders Brothers Nursery

Joining Bennett is Lindsay Day, the Marketing Coordinator for NewGen Boxwood. Lindsay brings 5 years of nursery experience with her to the team. She started with Saunders Brothers as an intern in 2013 and then joined full time as the assistant woody grower and propagation manager for the container nursery. After spending several years in the field propagating and working with the boxwood, when an opportunity arose where she could spend more time working with growers and customers teaching them about the promising future of boxwood, how could she say no? Since July of 2018, she has been part of the NewGen team connecting with our growers and finding new and creative ways to share boxwood knowledge with the industry with our website, mailing list, and social media.

Together we are looking ahead towards this new year as it gives us a chance to meet new growers and customers and share our passion about boxwood with you.