Photo by Mary Ann Hansen, Virginia Tech, ĭiagnosis Dieback of branches without leaf drop, randomly distributed around the plant, is the most notable symptom of this fungus. Black streaks on stems are a key diagnostic marker of boxwood blight. Finally, sanitize tools, clothes and footwear after working on boxwoods. Mulch under the plants to avoid splashing spores onto leaves and to reduce the need for watering. Do not work on plants when their leaves are wet, which can spread spores. Prune boxwoods to promote airflow, keep leaves dry, and minimize fungal growth. Improve drainage by amending heavy clay soil with compost. Prevention Healthy boxwoods are less susceptible to blight. To keep them healthy, have your soil tested every two to three years and follow the amendment recommendations that come from the lab. axillaris) and sweetbox ( Sarcococca species). Wash clothes, gloves and footwear with soap and hot water. Plants in the same family as boxwoods can be hosts for boxwood blight, including Japanese spurge ( Pachysandra terminalis), Allegheny spurge ( P. Wash dirt off tools, then disinfect them with bleach, 70 percent ethanol, or hydrogen peroxide. Spread two inches of mulch under remaining plants to help prevent spores from splashing up onto foliage. Throw this debris away, burn it if legal, or bury it as far from other boxwoods as possible. Thoroughly rake up all fallen leaves and twigs. To prevent it from spreading, remove infected plants entirely. Treatment There is no cure for boxwood blight. Fluffy white clusters of spores may appear, but not always. The spots are followed by sudden defoliation and black streaks on stems. ĭiagnosis The first sign of this devastating fungal disease is brown spots, ringed with darker brown areas, on the leaves. You will find more details and many helpful photos on the website for Virginia Cooperative Extension’s Boxwood Blight Task Force at.
BLIGHT ON BOXWOODS HOW TO
Here are some of the common diseases, pests and environmental issues facing boxwoods in Virginia, as well as tips for how to diagnose, treat and prevent them. Unfortunately, not all boxwood problems are so easy to solve. “Do you have dogs?” “Yes, we just adopted two Lhasa Apsos,” the client replied. My colleague Yvette Graham, a Help Desk veteran, glanced at the sorry-looking twig. I was a novice volunteer at the Piedmont Master Gardeners’ Horticultural Help Desk when a client came in clutching a boxwood branch with brown, desiccated leaves.
Rapid defoliation caused by boxwood blight.
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