1. Planting:  Pick a location where your NewGen Freedom® Boxwood will receive partial sunlight (4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day). If you live in a very hot climate, they will do best with some afternoon shade and well-drained soil.

Then, dig a hole the same depth as the root ball and twice as wide. Place the Boxwood upright into the hole ensuring it is straight and begin to backfill the hole, watering every couple of inches to prevent air pockets from forming. Finally, to help retain moisture in the soil and deter weed growth, apply a 2- to 3-inch deep layer of mulch around the base of the Boxwood.

2. Watering: Water the NewGen Freedom® Boxwood deeply to ensure the roots are getting adequate moisture (generally one or two waterings per week will suffice). Once it has been established in your garden, it will need weekly watering during periods of drought or extreme heat.

3. Fertilizing: The roots appreciate a good organic mulch (1-2″). Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 ratio fertilizer, or slow-release fertilizer (such as Osmocote), after the second year of growth by spreading it evenly over the surface of the soil (follow label directions), and watering it in.

4. Pruning:  For optimal performance, the NewGen Freedom® requires yearly pruning in late winter to early spring. This ensures a more compact and well-shaped plant, preventing it from opening up in the center.