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Box blight

HilltoppersHilltoppers Posts: 20
in Plants
We have had a visit from the dreaded box blight. The sections affected are under a kitchen window which faces north, north east. They look too far gone to save
so I've resigned myself to digging them out and replanting with something new. Looking for a shrub of some description but nothing that is going to get too big over time. We are on sandy soil. Thanks in advance.

Posts

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Hilltoppers I think once removed the phormium will come into it's own. So sad to see Box that is suffering from blight. I guess the thing is to move on and look at other exciting ideas. Are you looking for two evergreens? I guess you will need something that you can prune in a smaller space? The phormium tones in well with the brick, perhaps go with a small rounded leaf and maybe a green leaf
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    Ilex crenata is a good substitute for box.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • HilltoppersHilltoppers Posts: 20
    Thank you for your thoughts. Think the plan will be to clear the area  firsr, prepare the ground and then go to some local nurseries/garden centres to see what's on offer!
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Hilltoppers Sounds like a good plan. You could look at Hebes available in lots of colours and sizes. Can take a while to recover if you do need to prune.
     Also some of the Pittisporums, Euonymous especially Green Pillar. Maybe a grass.    Croakia is very different and can be pruned. Santolina Rosmarinifolia or one of the new dark leaved Hypericums As you say good prep is the key as the box will have taken everything out of the soil.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • LG_LG_ Posts: 4,360
    There's a whole garden at Wisley testing 'box substitutes'. Some of them are lovely, and there are lots of different colours/tones to suit your preference.
    https://cabahs.com/2022/06/19/thinking-outside-the-box/ (scroll to the bottom for more links)
    'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
    - Cicero
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @LG_ Just looked at your link there are some great ideas and very interesting ideas.

    @Hilltoppers Think I was put oof slightly by your phormium. The santolina I mentioned will need more sun so not suitable.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
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