Some believe that it is a single disease and others believe it is most likely the result of multiple stressers, weakening the plant and eventually resulting in death. This issue effects only Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’ (English Boxwood) and it is less clear what the cause is.
Click the images for more details.īoxwood Decline is a bit different than the other pests and diseases that affect boxwood. There are some chemical control option but the best way to combat this disease is to minimize over-watering and facilitate proper drainage. Examples of healthy and unhealthy roots are in the images below. The roots of the plants will also turn brown and brittle and the outer layer of the root hair will slough off easily when pulled. If you cut into the cambium layer of the stem you will find the innermost layer to be dark and rotten. Stems will also appear to collapse and appear dark and off color. The leaves then begin to curl and brown, but do not defoliate from the plant. Symptoms appear as sections of the boxwood turning off color and leaves feeling dry.
Cultural practices like planting boxwood higher in the soil or even in raised beds provide better drainage and minimize chances of infection from this disease. Prolonged periods of wetness, or soil that is saturated with water on a regular basis cause the symptoms to appear. The pathogen can exist in the soil, but does not become active until proper conditions arise. It is a relatively common disease that affects many different plant species. Phytophthora Root Rot is a soil borne, fungal pathogen that affects the roots of the plant.
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