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box

is there any cure for box blight 

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  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700

    There is not really a cure. If you have it, advice is to cut out the affected areas and make sure all prunings and the tools used are cleaned thoroughly. Leaves around the soil areas are swiftly moved off and not put anywhere in the garden. Longterm prevention is to make sure if you are watering plants water around the base and minimise the cutting over the year. Frequent cutting increases chances of blight. Early detection enables areas to be cut away before it takes over the shrub. Keep the areas clear of dead leaves and other fallen leaves, dampness and poor air circulation increases the chance of blight.

  • gerrykgerryk Posts: 24

    cheers borderline i thought i would have to dig it out and get rid

  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700

    There is no need to dig it out unless it's quite taken over by blight. If you have a lot of box in your garden, you need to be vigilant in checking other shrubs as it spreads if unchecked. 

  • gerrykgerryk Posts: 24

    thanks for that mate, this particular box is about 13yo so its a fair size and i hope i don,t loose it.i was thinking of re,homing it in a container to isolate it.

  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700

    Potting up a 13 year old box is quite a big job. Best left when the autumn time arrives. It's up to you of course, but if you are doing this to limit box blight, I don't think it's needed. But if you are trying to move it somewhere you feel is better for it to grow, that's fine,

    Scrape off the top layer of soil and put down new soil or mulch. Try to not cut too often that creates a very dense outer layer. The lack of air flow often creates the best environment for blight to thrive. 

    Last edited: 14 July 2017 18:02:15

  • Lily PillyLily Pilly Posts: 3,845

    We have been fighting it for 6 years. There is a definite improvement this year

    persevee if you can, hygiene is essential and feed twice with liquid seaweed at the beginning if the year and in mid summer. We didn't cut it for  two years

    image

    Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.”
    A A Milne
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700

    That is inspirational. Not pruning for 2 years might be the key to success. 

  • gerrykgerryk Posts: 24

    thanks folks

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