Boxwood 'BetterBuxus Skylight' (Buxus sempervirens) - evergreen hedging shrub - 23 cm pot - Height 70 cm

Yes, that is precisely the reason for the BetterBuxus Skylight's existence (Buxus sempervirens BetterBuxus selection). It was developed and selected to offer significantly greater resistance to boxwood blight, the fungal disease that has been devastating traditional boxwoods in Europe for about twenty years. This selection is also tolerant of the box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis), the moth whose caterpillars devastate the foliage. This does not mean absolute immunity: under very unfavorable sanitary conditions, vigilance remains useful.

The BetterBuxus Skylight boxwood is o'ne of the few topiary shrubs to adap't equally well to both full sun and'full'shade, as well as all degrees of partial shade. In full sun, its foliage remains dense provided that it'is watered regularly, especially in summer. In partial shade, it grows evenly with deep, particul'arly bright green foliage. In'shade, growth is even slower, but the plant remains healthy and compact.

The BetterBuxus Skylight comes with a pre-shaped pyramid, which greatly simplifies its 'maintenance. To maintain this shape, two trims per year are sufficient. The first takes place between May and June, after the spring growth: the new shoots are trimmed d'own by about a third to thicken the shape. The second trim, in August or early September, refines the contours before the 'autumn dormancy. Always use clean and, if possible, alcohol-disinfected shears to avoid spreading pathogens.

Absolutely. Supplied in a 23 cm pot at a height of 60–70 cm, BetterBuxus Skylight is ideal for container-grown plants on balconies or terraces. Its slow growth and compact habit prevent it from'quickly outgrowing the pot. Choose a container at least 30 to 35 cm in diameter to provide ample root space, and ensure it has good drainage at the bottom. Use a high-quality potting mix blended with sand or pumice to prevent'excess'water. In a pot, it will need to be watered more frequently than'when planted in the ground, especially during summer.

The BetterBuxus Skylight boxwood is fully hardy and can overwinter outdoors without protection in almost all regions of France. Buxus sempervirens is traditionally hardy down to around -15°C, and this BetterBuxus selection does not compromise this frost resistance. When planted in the ground, no special protection is needed in regions with normal winters. Only mountainous areas with very severe winters may require mulching around the base to protect the roots.

The BetterBuxus Skylight n'is not fussy about soil: it s'adapts to most ordinary garden soils, whether 'clay, loamy, or slightly alkaline. T'he only requirement is good drainage: boxwood cannot tolerate soils that are constantly waterlogged, as this weakens the roots and encourages fungal diseases. If your soil is heavy or compacted, incorporate coarse sand or gravel when planting. Adding mature compost to the planting hole enriches the growing medium and promotes rapid root establishment.

The fundamental difference between BetterBuxus Skylight and common boxwood (Buxus sempervirens standard) lies in the genetic selection from which it originates. Common boxwood sold in large garden centers is often poorly differentiated and highly susceptible to boxwood blight (Calonectria pseudonaviculata) and the box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis), the two scourges that have decimated millions of plants in Europe since the 2000s.