Even though both diseases have been on everyone's lips for some time, the boxwood is not only affected by shoot death caused by the fungus Cylindrocladium buxicola or the dreaded boxwood borer. Infestation with one of the two forms of mildew is also possible, although rare.
How do you recognize and treat mildew on boxwood?
Boxwood powdery mildew can occur in two forms: Powdery mildew occurs in dry, warm conditions and appears as a white fungal coating on the top and bottom of leaves. Downy mildew occurs in warm, humid weather and forms a grayish coating on the undersides of leaves and yellowish spots on the surface. Both forms can be controlled with fungicides or home remedies.
Mildew on boxwood
There are two different variants of powdery mildew, which typically appear in certain weather conditions. Both can be easily controlled using fungicides approved for private gardens as well as home remedies. Cut affected areas back to he althy wood and spray the affected plant several times with field horsetail broth or a mixture of whole milk and water.
Powdery mildew
This form is also known as “fair weather mildew” because it only develops in dry and warm months. A typical feature is the white, mealy-looking fungal growth on the top and bottom of the leaves.
Downy mildew
Downy mildew, on the other hand, loves warm, humid weather and initially appears as a white coating, later as a grayish fungal growth on the underside of the leaves. These are speckled with yellowish spots on the surface.
Tip
Make sure that the leaves do not get wet when watering the boxwood or that they can dry off quickly afterwards. Wet leaves are one of the most common causes of fungal diseases in plants.
