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Is this boxwood rot? #868553

Asked May 15, 2024, 1:22 PM EDT

Recently moved into a home with established boxwoods in good health. One developed a small patch (few stems) of yellow leaves in April - assumed winter trauma - but the patch has spread and turned brown. Looking inside the shrub, the stems have died. Wondering if this is root rot and if removing the affected stems and amending the soil will save the shrub. This shrub is not in the same bed as other boxwoods but the property has multiple hedges of them.

Marion County Oregon

Expert Response

Can you please send a few more photos? It would be helpful to see the whole shrub and how it looks in the landscape. Thanks!
Hi Brooke,
Thanks so much for getting back to me so quickly!  There's three shrubs that seem affected - the large one by the house and two small round ones at the front of the walk.  The two small ones have a tighter crown and are very compact, the large one has a much more open branching.

I'm not seeing blisters in or in the leaves, white powder, flies, black spotting, or orange bumpy undersides on the newer green leaves.  Also, unfortunately, I have no idea what variety of boxwoods these are.  Any advice you have is greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
 - Michelle 


From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Thursday, May 16, 2024 10:26 AM
To: Michelle Jory <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Is this boxwood rot? (#0138474)
 
The Question Asker Replied May 16, 2024, 9:40 PM EDT
This is likely damage from environmental issues. Heat (plus extreme heat domes events) and cold snaps have done a number on many boxwoods. Especially shrubs growing in exposed conditions that get late afternoon sun. I just visited a historic home in Salem that is showing the same issue as what you're seeing. 

You can try pruning out the dead leaves and twigs. It's possible that the shrub will be able to regrow to fill in the bare areas. 
Oh, Brooke!!  This is a relief!  Thank you for the response and confirmation!  I will do that this weekend and reach out if something different develops.

As an aside, our home is also historic and the previous owners were a lovely, beloved couple in this community.  You can understand my terror at the idea of killing a boxwood right out of the gate, haha!

Thank you again for the help and have a wonderful weekend!

M.


From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Friday, May 17, 2024 4:32 PM
To: Michelle Jory <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Is this boxwood rot? (#0138474)
 
The Question Asker Replied May 17, 2024, 7:42 PM EDT

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