Buxus Pyramid/ balls shrubs

rebelden · 22-10-2012 10:03PM #1

Hi all, I hope the gardening is going well. Just a quick question for all ye garden enthusiasts. The leaves on my Buxus Pyramid/ balls shrubswhich I planted in the summer have recently started to go a sort of autumnly brown colour. Particularly the leaves on the outside of the shrub. Is the shrub dying? Have I reason for concern?

looksee · 22-10-2012 10:22PM

If your topiary balls are Buxus then, no, they should not be turning brown. It is just possible that the outer tips of the leaves have been wind burned, or even, depending on where you are, frost burned - had you just trimmed them? Make sure they are watered but other than that you can only wait and see.

newbie2 · 27-10-2012 12:33AM

Do you have a dog? if so is it peeing on the plants.

It's more than likely box blight though. very rampant this year.

rebelden · 28-10-2012 11:16AM

No I haven’t a dog, but like you are suggesting more then likely box blight. Have to wait and see I suppose and hope for the best.

The Garden Shop · 31-10-2012 01:10PM

No need for concern. It is common with buxus sempervirens (Box hedging) to turn a reddish colour in autumn.
Just like deciduous trees and shrubs, their leaves turn red/yellow in autumn because they have less need for chlorophyll (green pigment) which is needed to absorb sun light.

Of course your box balls should not loose there leaves

Buxus Pyramid/ balls shrubs

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