Box hedging

I've had some leftover box hedging in pots for a couple of years now, never had any problem with them, until now. There's new growth in the middle of the plants (there's 4 small ones in each pot) but on two of the four pots, a lot of the leaves on the outside are browning off. I can't see anything that would cause them a problem, they've been in situ for nearly a year & not been moved. Does anyone have any idea what might be causing this? Ta

 

Box blight?

 

What's the cause/fix for that? I don't want them to die on me!!

 

Cut all the brown affected growth off. hopfully that will restrict its spread. If it gets worse then its dig up and destroy. its the only option I think.

 

Thanks Loofah & Al n. Wind might be a factor in honesty as it has been quite windy the past couple of weeks

 

I would Google for some pictures of Box blight and make sure it is that before you do anything. (Brown circular patches on leaves).

Only ever water from below, or carefully around the plant to avoid splashing the leaves. Good drainage is important.

If you have disease cut out any dead / diseased parts and, laboriously remove all fallen leaves and burn them / put them in the bin.

Apart from disease do not clip Box plants now. June (traditionally "Derby Day") is the time to cut them, late clipping will give the diseases a chance to get a hold.

 

Thanks Kristen
There don't appear to be any blemishes on the leaves, they just look like a tree would in autumn. I don't water them as it's been wet enough, but I'll check the drainage as the soil may have become compacted. There's a liner with holes in then gravel, then stones so drainage isn't usually an issue

 

Sounds OK. Sounds more like lack of water, for a while, or wind damage then.

 

Phew we did have a dry spell & although we watered the whole garden in the evenings, maybe they didn't get enough and now they're getting too much!

 

If they are in containers they will need watering the whole year round (although not much in winter), in particular if the foliage overhangs the pot, or extends to close to the edge of the container. They need watering when "dry" (rather than little and often)

 

Sounds like one of two possibilities to me
Overwatering .... Lack of drainage .... Can happen if not been moved for a few years
Under watering just as possible as above... Weather has been strange...
Worth checking both

 

Thanks everyone

 

Don't think you are disagreeing? I've taken loads of Box cuttings around this time of the year, agree its the best time. But I wouldn't choose to "trim" my Box plants at this time of the year, leaving lots of clean-cut edges.