If you’re a gardener who loves the timeless charm of boxwoods, you’ve likely heard the horror stories about boxwood blight—a fungal nightmare that’s been wreaking havoc on these classic shrubs. But there’s good news: Better Boxwood® is here to fight back. These aren’t your average boxwoods; they’re a collection of scientifically bred, blight-resistant varieties designed to keep your hedges thriving and your garden dreams intact. Let’s dive into what makes these plants special and take a look at where boxwood blight has already struck—and where it might be lurking next.
Meet the Better Boxwood® Lineup
Better Boxwood® shrubs are the result of a brilliant collaboration between plant breeders in Belgium and growers in the U.S., with a mission to tackle boxwood blight head-on. These aren’t just tough plants—they’re beautiful, versatile, and built to last. Here’s the scoop on the four standout varieties:
- Babylon Beauty™: Picture a low, sprawling beauty that tops out at about 3 feet tall and spreads 4-5 feet wide. Its light green foliage brings a soft, lush vibe, making it perfect for ground cover or adding depth to your garden layers. It’s a low-effort stunner that stays green all year.
- Heritage™: This one’s a compact gem, growing 3-4 feet high and 2-3 feet wide with dark green leaves. It’s got that traditional boxwood look but with a tighter shape, ideal for neat hedges or sculpting into topiary masterpieces.
- Renaissance™: Small but mighty, this variety maxes out at 1-2 feet in both height and width. It’s a dream for borders, knot gardens, or popping into pots. Bonus: it holds its color through winter with hardly any pruning needed.
- Skylight™: The tallest of the crew, reaching 6-8 feet high and 3-4 feet wide. With medium green leaves that brighten up in spring, it’s a fast grower—great for creating bold hedges or filling out a landscape in a hurry.
What sets these shrubs apart?
They’re bred to resist boxwood blight, a disease caused by the fungi Calonectria pseudonaviculata and Calonectria henricotiae. Plus, they shrug off deer, pests, and tough weather, all while keeping that evergreen elegance boxwoods are famous for. Whether you’re shaping them into formal designs or letting them grow wild, they’re a gardener’s best friend.
Why Blight Resistance Matters
Boxwood blight is no small problem. It starts with dark spots on leaves, moves to black streaks on stems, and ends with rapid leaf drop—sometimes stripping a plant bare in a week. There’s no cure once it hits, and the sticky spores can linger in soil or debris for years, ready to strike again. Traditional boxwoods, like the beloved English and American varieties, often don’t stand a chance. That’s where Better Boxwood® steps in, offering a lifeline with its blight-resistant genetics.
Where Boxwood Blight Has Been
This fungal foe first popped up in the United Kingdom in the mid-1990s, catching gardeners off guard. By 2002, it had jumped to New Zealand, where it was identified as a new species. Then, in 2011, it landed in the U.S., hitting North Carolina and Connecticut hard. Since then, it’s spread like wildfire across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. In the U.S. alone, it’s been confirmed in over 30 states by early 2025, from the mid-Atlantic (think Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania) to the West Coast (Oregon and beyond). Canada’s not safe either—British Columbia and Ontario have seen outbreaks, often tied to infected nursery stock.
Europe’s been battling it for decades, with heavy impacts in the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands—places where boxwoods line historic gardens. Asia’s got its share too, with reports from Turkey, Iran, and Georgia (the country, not the state). The blight thrives in warm, humid conditions, spreading through rain, tools, clothing, or even holiday wreaths made from infected sprigs. Nurseries and landscapers have accidentally fueled its journey, moving plants before symptoms show.
Where’s It Headed Next?
Predicting blight’s next move is tricky, but experts have some ideas. In the U.S., states like Michigan, with its massive horticulture industry, are on high alert—especially after detections in 2018. The Upper Midwest (think Minnesota and Wisconsin) could be next as the climate warms and humidity spikes. Southern states like Texas and Louisiana, with their muggy summers, are prime targets too. Out west, California’s nursery trade makes it vulnerable, despite no major outbreaks yet.
Globally, areas with native boxwood populations—like parts of East Asia, the Caucasus, and southern Europe—could see trouble if the blight hitches a ride on traded plants. A 2018 study suggested it could thrive in eastern Europe, the Mediterranean, and even South America if introduced. Climate change might give it a boost, lengthening the warm, wet seasons it loves. Wherever boxwoods grow, the risk follows—unless we’re smart about prevention.
Growing Better Boxwood®
These shrubs are tough, but they’ve got preferences. Plant them in USDA zones 5-9, in well-drained soil with partial shade to full sun—afternoon shade is a plus in hot climates. They’re low-maintenance, needing minimal pruning to keep their shape, and they pair well with everything from roses to perennials. Buy them from reputable garden centers (they’re expanding across the U.S. and Canada), and you’re investing in a blight-resistant future.
The Takeaway
Better Boxwood® isn’t just a plant—it’s a rebellion against a disease that’s toppled too many gardens. As boxwood blight marches on, from the U.S. to Europe and beyond, these varieties offer hope. They’re proof that science and nature can team up to keep our landscapes green. So, next time you’re planning a hedge or a border, give these resilient beauties a shot. Your garden—and your peace of mind—will thank you.
