Please help identify - Ask Extension
These Boxwoods are about 30+ years old and at the SW corner of our home in Medford, Oregon. I have never seen anything like this before.
Knowledgebase
Please help identify #878820
Asked July 25, 2024, 10:04 PM EDT
These Boxwoods are about 30+ years old and at the SW corner of our home in Medford, Oregon. I have never seen anything like this before.
Jackson County Oregon
Expert Response
This is likely a result of drought stress. When boxwood roots can't absorb enough water to keep leaves green, they may turn brown, pale, or sickly, and eventually drop off. This can happen in newly-planted landscapes, or in areas without irrigation or rainfall for a long time, or in very warm temperatures. To help prevent drought stress, you can add compost to the soil and water regularly.
Really? Dehydration can cause white flaky detritus only on the tops of the leaves of 30 year old Boxwoods with an underground drip system?
That is so interesting! I have never heard or seen that! I will definitely spread the word that this diagnosis came from OSU Extension service!
Thanks!
The presence of an insect or disease may not be the cause of the problem or the symptoms. Sometimes pests will take advantage of damaged or stresses plants.
Many types of insects can attack boxwoods, including mites, scales, and psyllids:
There are multiple insects that can cause white webbing or other issues on boxwood, including:
Many types of insects can attack boxwoods, including mites, scales, and psyllids:
There are multiple insects that can cause white webbing or other issues on boxwood, including:
- Boxwood psyllids: These piercing and sucking pests leave white flecks or a white powder on the tips of leaves and when the bush is shaken. The nymphs feed on the sap of young leaves and unopened buds in the spring, which can cause the leaves to cup inward at the tips.
