Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) - evergreen hedging shrub - 26 cm pot - Height 30 cm

Yes, the BetterBuxus Skylight boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) is derived from a selection specially developed for its increased resistance to boxwood blight, caused by the fungus Cylindrocladium buxicola (also known as Calonectria pseudonaviculata). This fungal disease, responsible for brown spots and massive defoliation on traditional boxwoods, is now one of the main threats in European gardens. Thanks to its improved genetics, BetterBuxus Skylight develops a naturally stronger reaction to this pathogen, significantly reducing the risk of damage.

BetterBuxus Skylight boxwood shows increased tolerance to the boxwood moth (Cydalima perspectalis), an Asian pest whose caterpillars can devastate an entire boxwood hedge in just a few weeks. This tolerance means that the plant withstands attacks better without being seriously affected, although it is not completely immune. In the event of a major infestation, regular inspection of the foliage from May to September is still recommended, and a treatment with Bacillus thuringiensis can be applied preventively or curatively.

To maintain the ball shape of the BetterBuxus Skylight Boxwood, simply prune it once or twice a year. The first pruning is ideally carried out between mid-May and late June, once the spring growth is complete. A second intervention in August or early September helps to'refine the shape before'winter. Use clean, well-sharpened shears to achieve clean cuts that heal quickly. A template or circular pruning guide can help beginners maintain a regular sphere.

Yes, the BetterBuxus Skylight boxwood is perfectly suited for growing in a pot on a balcony or terrace. Supplied in a 26 cm pot with a pre-formed ball of'about 30 cm, it is immediately decorative. Choose a container with sufficient drainage holes and use enriched potting soil mixed with sand or perlite to prevent water from'standing. In summer, the pot'needs to be watered more frequently than when planted'in the ground, as the potting mix dries out faster. In winter, protect the pot from prolonged frost with a fleece cover or by moving it to a sheltered location: roots in a container are more vulnerable to the cold than those in the ground.

BetterBuxus Skylight boxwood is o'ne of the few shrubs that can tolerat'e both full sun and full s'hade. In full sun, it grows well but may turn slightly yellow in intense heat: regular watering during the summer months helps prevent this. In partial shade, it develops its darkest and densest foliage, wh'ich is often its best position in southern regions. In s'hade, its growth will be even slower, but it still holds up well, making it a rare option for adding structure to low-light areas of the garden.

The BetterBuxus Skylight boxwood is perfectly hardy and withstands the cold winters typical in France without damage. In the ground, once well established, it withstands the negative temperatures common in our regions without protection. In a pot, frost resistance is slightly reduced because the roots, exposed to 'air on all sides of the container, cool down faster than in the soil: a winter cover or moving it to a sheltered place is recommended during severe cold spells.

The BetterBuxus Skylight boxwood, like all boxwoods (Buxus sempervirens), is slow-growing: it grows an average of 5 to 10 cm per year depending on growing conditions, exposure, and soil quality. This slow growth is precisely what makes boxwood so valuable for topiary: once the shape is achieved, it remains stable for a long time between prunings. In a pot, growth is slightly slower than in the ground, especially if watering and fertilization are not regular. Applying a slow-release shrub fertilizer in spring promotes beautiful spring growth without unbalancing the plant.