Help is on the way — don't give up on the box just yet

Added on 27 March 2024

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Help is on the way — don't give up on the box just yet

Box is a traditional choice for topiary and hedging in many historic and private gardens. Pictured are the gardens at Château de Villandry, where a range of BetterBuxus was planted. Courtesy of AIPH

Scientists combining AI with traditional gene mapping are getting closer to adding to the range of buxus with strong resistance to box blight, writes Anisa Gress for FloraCulture International.

“There’s no reason to look for alternatives,” says Research Geneticist Dr Fred Gouker from the United States. “We are looking at breeding alternatives so the box can retain its status and stature in the landscape,” he adds.