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Buxus Issues

richlakinrichlakin Posts: 10
in Problem solving
Hi all,

I planted a load of Buxus Sempervirens last spring (2017) and they appeared to be thriving right up until this very warm summer (2018)  where I noticed slight yellowing on one plant near a paving stone. I put it down to extreme heat from the sun but as the summer progressed, the symptoms appeared on a number of other plants.

I have removed/replaced a few and the new ones appear okay at the moment. I also left some of the plants with issues in but pruned all the leaves that appeared to have issues off. I’m not convinced that has resolved the problem however. 

I’ve attached a few photos if anyone can help identify the problem or give me some advice. 

Thanks 

Rich



Posts

  • RubytooRubytoo Posts: 1,361
    edited October 2018
    Hi richlakin, I won't scaremonger you as I am not sure it is box blight. There are two different types of disease with fungus and spores.
    And looking at your photos not sure.
    These links to the PHS site has all the info you need to identify it, I would go through that carefully,  especially the identifying paragraphs and see how it compares.
    https://www.rhs.org.uk/Advice/Profile?PID=1005
    https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=851

    Good luck and don't panic, it is rectifiable if it is, my first thoughts were the hot summer and lack of rain too.
    Shame you have had your hard work spoiled a bit.

  • richlakinrichlakin Posts: 10
    Thanks Rubytoo. I must admit, I did think box blight myself but the only thing that made me think twice is that none of the plants have any leaf drop.  Hopefully that’s a good sign 🤞🏼

    I’ll work through the symptoms so very grateful for the links.

    Cheers

    Rich


  • RubytooRubytoo Posts: 1,361
    You are welcome, sorry I could not help more, there is someone else having box problems too (Astrantia).
    https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/1022730/another-buxus-problem-possibly#latest
    But I think it might be different problem.
    Also sorry my last post and last sentence should have read "your hard work spoiled, it is a bit disheartening.


  • richlakinrichlakin Posts: 10
    It’s a little disheartening as they were looking so good last year. I’ll have a look and see if I can identify what it is and hopefully minimise the damage 👍🏼
  • RubytooRubytoo Posts: 1,361
    edited October 2018
    The third one down looks like you pruned a big stem off, and the one next to it has several new shoots at the base.
    Wondering did you use weed feed or moss killer on your lawn?
    Though it would kill weeds, shrubs might get knocked back but not necessarily die off completely?
    Or do you have a dog that might wee on them. Not sure how much a cat spraying would affect them, or if it is similar.
    They do look more like an excess of heat /scorching.

    Some odd chunks of some of our shrubs got overheated this year. But our Box plants are all along a shaded path, and mostly all green. (Sorry).
    Hope someone else might give some more input.
    Good luck.
     
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