What shrub would you recommend for structure in the garden? Some of us might suggest boxwood (Buxus), and for good reason. These popular evergreens have been cultivated for thousands of years, beginning with the Egyptians and continuing into the 21st century. However, for more than a decade now a fungal disease called boxwood blight has been spreading across the United States, causing the loss of many boxwood plants and forcing gardeners to look for alternatives to use in the landscape.
Fortunately, we have access to a wide range of plants that can fill this void, including a few boxwood varieties that are resistant to the disease. Let's check out some plants that can be used like boxwood while providing additional benefits in the garden. Many of these picks are for warmer climates, but some also work in the North.
DISTYLIUM
Hardy in USDA Zones 7 through 9, cultivars of Distylium have quickly emerged as a durable evergreen replacement for disease-prone shrubs in warmer parts of the country. And that's no surprise when you hear about distylium's many features, like shade and drought tolerance, deer resistance, design versatility and beautiful dark green foliage.
In this genus, you'll find several varieties well suited to filling large or small parts of the garden. One example is First Editions Cinnamon Girl (D. 'PIIDIST-V'), shown above, which has plum-purple new growth that becomes blue-green as the leaves mature. With a rounded spreading habit, it's a beautiful addition to landscapes in warm regions.
BAYBERRY
Denne historien er fra July - August 2024-utgaven av Horticulture.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra July - August 2024-utgaven av Horticulture.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
GAGA FOR GALANTHUS
As easy as they are irresistible, snowdrops boast a devoted and growing following
NEW PLANTS
Multiseason Marvels
BLUEBERRIES & CO.
Members of the genus Vaccinium provide sweet flavor, health benefits and beauty in the garden
AN ECOLOGICAL AGREEMENT
How three great minds think alike
Take It Indoors
Cs the growing season dwindles, _ potted cittus became a summer souuenir
ROOTED IN PLACE
LAYERING IS A PROPAGATION TECHNIQUE THAT TAKES A WHILE TO COMPLETE, BUT IT DEMANDS LITTLE EFFORT FROM THE GARDENER
AT HOME WITH PLANTS
Business travel and pleasure trips helped inspire this Cincinnati garden
THE GARDEN GOES DARK
Yes, gardens have their dark side. But-surprise! A garden's darkness can be good, not sinister.
LOW-WATER WONDERS
EXPLORE ONE PLANTSMAN'S DROUGHT-TOLERANT FAVORITES FOR EACH LEVEL OF THE GARDEN
Succeed With Succession- The best crops to plant throughout summer, plus how to time them right
The best crops to plant throughout summer, plus how to time them right. Once a crop like spring turnips or snap peas has finished, I tidy up the bed, amend the soil with a thin layer of compost and replant. Depending on the new crop, I may be sowing seeds or transplanting seedlings.
