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Save my boxes!

bms_gardenbms_garden Posts: 7
in Problem solving
My first post here, hopefully you knowledgable folk will be able to help.

We have two boxes, bought last year and living in the same pots and locations as two smaller predecessor boxes (which are still alive elsewhere in the garden). 

We noticed that the top of one of the plants was going yellow a few weeks back and that has gradually worsened. Also, all the leaves inside are dry and dead - perhaps this bit is normal in a dense box?

Will post some pics in the next post if i can. One of the pics will also show the healthier plant, which just has a few yellow tips on some leaves. We are concerned that these plants are not at all healthy and need saving.

No sign of fungus under leaves, at least to our non-gardener's eyes.

Advice appreciated!

Posts

  • bms_gardenbms_garden Posts: 7
    Here are the pics, the first one is the healthier plant 
  • steephillsteephill Posts: 2,841
    Probably box blight, see https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=1005 for more info.

  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    edited May 2020
    Your shrubs are probably stressed. They are most likely not getting enough water into the pots. When growing in containers, you need to water them consistently even in wet rainy weather. No space for water to get into their base due to the rain shadow. Also, the containers are just too small for the plant. They get stressed easily, and you see leaves yellowing or going bronze in tone.

    Box plants grow better in the ground.  Unfortunately, they are more prone to diseases in the south and in containers when stressed. Your last photo looks like the beginnings of Volutella Blight, and that is also a sign of stress. Heavy pruned plants offer entry wounds and that can cause small die-backs and discolourations in the leaf. Avoid watering over head and keep the plant in an open space to avoid damp and moist areas. Try to limit cutting too and only prune back when weather is dry.
  • Dave HumbyDave Humby Posts: 1,145
    I have what looks like exactly the same problem.

    https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/1027943/box-blight#latest

    I gave up on one. The second has a combination of quite good new growth but in parallel deterioration. I have gone down the fertiliser and extra watering route. 
  • bms_gardenbms_garden Posts: 7
    Borderline said:
    Your shrubs are probably stressed. They are most likely not getting enough water into the pots. When growing in containers, you need to water them consistently even in wet rainy weather. No space for water to get into their base due to the rain shadow. Also, the containers are just too small for the plant. They get stressed easily, and you see leaves yellowing or going bronze in tone.

    Box plants grow better in the ground.  Unfortunately, they are more prone to diseases in the south and in containers when stressed. Your last photo looks like the beginnings of Volutella Blight, and that is also a sign of stress. Heavy pruned plants offer entry wounds and that can cause small die-backs and discolourations in the leaf. Avoid watering over head and keep the plant in an open space to avoid damp and moist areas. Try to limit cutting too and only prune back when weather is dry.
    Thanks all for your comments.

    Borderline, you have summed up all the things that I thought might be wrong, Volutella Blight was my first thought a few days back. We did think the pots might be too small and we have made the mistake of watering over the head (as they are sheltered from rain in their positions).

    We will try to fix with feed, water and careful pruning. Even thinking of planting the worst affected one in the ground to recover - not sure yet.
  • bms_gardenbms_garden Posts: 7
    Another quick question folks - looking at new big pots. Presume a diameter around 50-70cm would be good. 

    Are aged whiskey barrels a good option? Nothing in the previous use can harm sensitive plants? 

    I’m quite taken with the idea of the natural look of them versus engineered stone. 
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    edited May 2020
    It's all up to you. Based on the guessing and scale on your photos, I suspect 50cm diameter will be an improvement. Remember to use a loam-based compost mixed with some grit or multi purpose compost.
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