The pest is called the boxwood borer because it attacks boxwood trees. But could the voracious caterpillars also taste the green of other plants? There is some experience, but the boxwood borer is still an unknown immigrant. Are the concerns about further impending damage justified?
Does the boxwood borer also attack other plants?
According to experts, the boxwood moth in Germany feeds mainly on the leaves of the boxwood (Buxus). In its native Asia it also has other host plants. However, it is increasingly being reported that in this country it can also infestHolly(Ilex) andSpindle bushes (Euonymus).
How much of a threat does the boxwood borer pose to other plants?
It is not yet certain whether and to what extent the box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis), which comes from China, actually attacks holly and spindle bushes in Europe. There are alsodifferent statements from experts If the pest actually lays its eggs en masse on one of these plants, the damage can be expected to be similar to that of boxwood. Specifically: bare branches and webs. Incidentally, the Japanese holly (Ilex crenata) looks very similar to boxwood.
Can the boxwood borer eventually attack new plants?
Nature is adaptable; after all, all species want to survive. The caterpillars of the box tree borer themselves were for a long time despised by local bird species because they were unknown to them. It has now been observed that at least great tits and sparrows have taken a liking to them and have become their natural enemies. Accordinglythere is also the possibility that this borer will also turn to new plant species at some point, especially since boxwood, which is susceptible to diseases and pests, is now reluctant to be planted and the box population is therefore declining more and more.
How do I recognize and combat a boxwood borer infestation?
Unfortunately, boxwood moth infestation is recognized very late because the large caterpillars first eat inside the crown. Find out about the appearance of the moth, the eggs and the caterpillars. Then you can track them down with targetedchecks from spring to autumn and take appropriate measures. Depending on the initial situation, options include: pruning, manual collection, removal with a high-pressure cleaner, spraying with the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, neem oil preparations, algae lime.
Are there borer-safe evergreen alternatives for boxwood?
There are some evergreen alternatives for boxwood. But unfortunately not all of them can be cut into such a beautiful shape as boxwood.
- small-leaved rhododendron 'Bloombux'
- Dwarf privet
- Dwarf yew
- Dwarf Honeysuckle
- Blueberry 'Berry-Bux'
Although visually dissimilar to boxwood, lavender and thyme bushes are also ideal as borders for beds.
Tip
Be careful when whitish butterflies with a brown border buzz around the buddleia
The boxwood moth flies to the boxwood to lay its eggs. Otherwise, it likes to hang out on other plants in the garden, especially buddleia species. If you observe white-brown butterflies on them, you should take a closer look and examine the undersides of the boxwood leaves for egg laying.
