NewGen Freedom is a modern boxwood bred to bring back the classic boxwood look without many of the problems that have hurt traditional plantings. It forms a full, rounded shrub of deep green leaves that suits hedges, foundation beds and formal accents. What sets it apart is its strong resistance to boxwood blight and boxwood leafminer. For gardeners who have lost boxwoods to disease, it offers a more dependable option.
This boxwood was introduced in 2020 alongside its sister plant, NewGen Independence. Freedom grows a little faster and a little larger, reaching about 3.5 feet tall and wide at maturity. That extra vigor helps hedges and screens fill in sooner. It is also deer- and rabbit-resistant, which makes it useful in yards where browsing animals are a problem.
Botanical Classification
NewGen Freedom belongs to the box family, a small group of evergreen shrubs that also includes pachysandra and sweet box. It is a hybrid boxwood developed through a long breeding and selection program. It is sold under the cultivar code SB 300 along with its trade name. Like other boxwoods, it has small, opposite leaves and dense branching.
It is part of the NewGen boxwood series, a group of plants created to resist the diseases and pests that have damaged boxwoods in recent years. The series also includes NewGen Independence, which has glossier leaves and a more compact habit. Both share the same breeding background and were released together. Gardeners often choose between them based on size and growth rate.
Brief History
Boxwood blight, a destructive fungal disease, was first found in the United States in 2011. It spread quickly through nurseries and gardens, causing rapid leaf drop and killing many plants. Popular types such as English boxwood were hit especially hard. Growers soon began searching for boxwoods that could resist the disease.
A long-established boxwood nursery in Virginia took up the challenge. After blight arrived, the nursery sent a team to Europe to study the disease and worked with plant disease researchers. Over several years, it evaluated more than 150 boxwood cultivars and selections for tolerance to blight and leafminer. That work led to the NewGen brand, with Freedom and Independence as its first two introductions in 2020.
Also Read: Different Types of Boxwood Shrubs
Identifying Characteristics
NewGen Freedom has small, oval leaves about half an inch to an inch long. They are rich, dark green and grow in pairs on opposite sides of the stem. The leaves are densely packed, giving the plant a full, solid look. They hold their color well through winter in most sites.
It grows into a rounded shrub that is slightly taller than it is wide. Mature plants usually reach about 3.5 feet tall and wide. It grows faster than many traditional boxwoods, which helps new hedges fill in more quickly. Its vigorous growth also means it benefits from regular light pruning.
Like other boxwoods, it produces tiny, pale yellow-green flowers in early spring. They are fragrant and attract bees but are easy to overlook among the leaves. Small seed capsules follow in summer. All parts of the plant are toxic if eaten.
Landscape Uses
NewGen Freedom is well suited to low and medium hedges. Its dense, rounded growth creates a neat green border along walkways, driveways and property lines. Because it grows a bit faster than many boxwoods, it is a good choice when a hedge needs to fill in quickly. It also works well as a replacement for boxwoods lost to blight, as long as the disease is not present in the soil.
It is a natural fit for foundation plantings, where its size suits the space under windows and along the front of houses. Single plants make attractive accents near entrances and steps. It can also be clipped into simple shapes such as balls and low hedging blocks. Its deep green color provides a strong backdrop for flowering perennials.
It grows well in large containers and planters on patios and porches. It is deer- and rabbit-resistant, making it useful in areas with heavy browsing. Because the plant is toxic if eaten, it should still be kept away from pets and livestock that might chew on it.
Growing Considerations
NewGen Freedom is hardy from about USDA zone 5 to zone 8. It grows well across much of the eastern, central and southern United States. It handles cold winters in the Midwest and Northeast as well as warmer summers in the Mid-Atlantic and upper South. This wide range makes it a versatile choice for many gardens.
It grows in full sun to considerable shade, though it tends to grow fullest with some sun. In hot regions, a little afternoon shade helps keep its leaves healthy. In colder areas, a site sheltered from strong winter wind helps reduce winter stress. It is adaptable but performs best with good care.
Good drainage is essential. Like all boxwoods, it can develop root rot in waterlogged soil. It grows well in soils ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, as long as water drains freely. Mixing compost into the planting area helps improve soil structure.
Its roots are shallow, so a thin layer of mulch, about 1 to 2 inches, helps keep them cool and moist. Mulch should not touch the stems. Water thoroughly at planting and keep the soil evenly moist during the first two growing seasons. Once established, deep watering during dry spells and in fall helps it stay healthy.
Pruning and Care
NewGen Freedom grows a bit faster than many boxwoods, so it benefits from regular light pruning. Trimming helps it keep a tight, dense shape. The best time to prune is late spring, after new growth hardens. A second light trim in early summer can help formal hedges stay crisp.
Avoid pruning in late summer or fall. Late cuts can trigger tender growth that is damaged by early frost. Thinning a few interior branches each year lets in light and air. This helps reduce disease and keeps the plant full from the inside out.
Fertilize lightly in spring if growth is weak or leaves look pale. Avoid heavy feeding, which can encourage soft growth that is more prone to pests. A soil test is the best guide to fertilizer needs. In most gardens, compost and mulch provide enough nutrients.
Pests and Diseases
NewGen Freedom was selected for strong resistance to boxwood blight and boxwood leafminer. It is considered one of the most blight-resistant boxwoods available. It also resists leafminer much better than popular boxwoods such as Green Velvet and Green Mountain. These traits make it a strong choice where disease and pests are a concern.
It is not completely immune to blight. The fungus that causes boxwood blight can survive in leaf debris and soil for years. For this reason, it is not recommended for sites with a history of severe or active blight outbreaks. Buying plants from reputable nurseries also helps prevent introducing the disease.
Other possible problems include spider mites, boxwood psyllids and root rot in poorly drained soils. The invasive box tree moth, whose caterpillars can strip boxwoods of their leaves, has spread across Europe and into parts of North America. Gardeners should check plants for webbing and chewed leaves in late spring and summer. Catching problems early makes them easier to manage.
NewGen Freedom vs. NewGen Independence
NewGen Freedom and NewGen Independence were released together and share good resistance to blight and leafminer. Freedom grows slightly faster and reaches about 3.5 feet tall and wide. Independence stays a little smaller, around 3 feet tall and wide, with very glossy, deep green leaves. Independence also holds its shape more naturally with less pruning.
Freedom is hardy to zone 5, while Independence is hardy to zone 5b. Freedom is often the better choice when a hedge needs to fill in quickly. Independence suits gardeners who prefer a slower, more compact plant. Both are excellent replacements for disease-prone traditional boxwoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big does NewGen Freedom boxwood get? NewGen Freedom usually grows about 3.5 feet tall and 3.5 feet wide at maturity. It forms a rounded shape that is slightly taller than it is wide. Regular light pruning can keep it smaller if needed. Its size makes it suitable for low to medium hedges.
How fast does NewGen Freedom boxwood grow? It grows faster than many traditional boxwoods. This helps new hedges and plantings fill in sooner. Growth is strongest in well-drained soil with steady moisture. Regular trimming helps keep its shape tight as it grows.
Is NewGen Freedom boxwood resistant to boxwood blight? Yes, it is one of the most blight-resistant boxwoods available. It was selected through years of trials for resistance to both blight and leafminer. It is not completely immune, so good care still matters. It is not recommended for sites with active blight problems.
Is NewGen Freedom boxwood deer resistant? Yes, it is resistant to both deer and rabbits. Boxwoods contain bitter, toxic compounds that most animals avoid. This makes it a good choice for gardens with heavy browsing. Young plants may still occasionally be nibbled.
How far apart should NewGen Freedom boxwoods be planted for a hedge? For a solid hedge, plants are usually spaced about 2.5 to 3 feet apart. Closer spacing fills in faster, while wider spacing allows better airflow. Good airflow helps reduce the risk of disease. Spacing can be adjusted based on how quickly a full hedge is needed.
Can NewGen Freedom boxwood grow in shade? Yes, it tolerates a range of light from full sun to considerable shade. It tends to grow fullest with some sun. In hot climates, afternoon shade helps protect its leaves. In deep shade, growth may be slower and more open.
Sources
Nursery Management, “NewGen Boxwood Shrub”
Garden Center Magazine, “NewGen Boxwood Introduces New Varieties”