A Backbone Shrub for Southern Gardens
Nothing looks better in a parched landscape than some much-needed lush foliage! Buckhead™ Bold distylium (Distylium buxifolium) is an excellent new way to get that reliable color and structure, especially for a warm-climate garden in need of a little extra life. Its evergreen foliage and upright habit combine to create a striking presence, while its adaptability and hardiness ensure it looks its best with minimal work from you.
With its dense form, Buckhead Bold distylium brings a unique visual texture to the landscape. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest, subtly progressing in color from bronze to an attractive blue-green. The glossy leaves are joined in late winter by bright red flowers, whose emergence adds a touch of vibrancy to an otherwise quiet garden.
Buckhead Bold distylium is suited for USDA zones 7b-9. It grows well in full to part sun, performing best with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight. Adaptable and low maintenance, this variety can grow in a wide range of soil types, and once established, it exhibits good drought tolerance. As a growing tip, it does benefit from a 2-3” layer of organic mulch. Reaching 4-7′ tall and wide, it is a great way to add structure to a hedge or foundation planting.
An Attractive Replacement for Boxwood
In Southern gardens, distyliums such as Buckhead Bold are becoming an appealing alternative to traditional boxwood. These evergreen shrubs provide the lush, 4-season presence gardeners want, but with less of the pesky downsides, including better disease and pest resistance.
If you are interested in exploring more of our boxwood alternatives, you can do so here: Discover Boxwood Alternatives. This guide not only provides general information about boxwood but also organizes the Proven Winners ColorChoice varieties into specific categories, making it easy for you to find exactly what you’re looking for!