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Box plant looking unwell

mdavies35NNlLw3gWmdavies35NNlLw3gW Posts: 2
in Problem solving
Hi,

We have a box hedge we planted last year. In recent weeks we have seen the hedge nearest the a dense is looking purple with brittle leaves. I have included some pictures. We have put some compost down in case it's lack of nutrients but would be good to know more about what this is. 



If anyone has any advice I would really appreciate it.

Thanks,
Michael

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    It looks like powdery mildew which usually affects plants stressed by something ... often drought. Was it watered generously and frequently throughout the summer?  It’s still a very young hedge. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    There's a lot of grass growing all around the base too - all competition for the hedge.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • mdavies35NNlLw3gWmdavies35NNlLw3gW Posts: 2
    It was watered quite often but may have missed a few days over summer. I have set up an auto watering system since September which waters it twice a day. There is grass around the base. I'll take some time soon and de-weed it. Thanks for the replies 😊
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    edited October 2020
    It's better to water properly once, than water often and too lightly.
    Watering very thoroughly encourages roots to get right down, and enables plants to access moisture more easily if there's a shortage. Watering too lightly means the opposite happens - roots stay near the surface and become vulnerable.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    I think your shrub looks like Privet rather than Box. I suspect it’s thrips damage on the leaves. You can prune out damaged sections but as recommended by others, keep up with the watering. They tend to attack in warm dry weather. 
  • KeenOnGreenKeenOnGreen Posts: 1,831
    Ditto @Borderline  The leaves are too big for Box.  This is good news for you @mdavies35NNlLw3gW  Privet is much tougher than Box, which is currently being decimated by Blight and Box Tree Caterpillar in many parts of the country.


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    @Borderline is right. Definitely looks like privet. The foliage growth is too upright for box.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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