He althy boxwood has strong green, often shiny foliage. If this changes color, there are usually pathogens or pests behind it. But not if the leaves turn orange or reddish: In this case, easy-to-fix care errors are usually the cause.
Why does my boxwood have orange leaves?
Orange or reddish leaves on boxwood can be caused by natural autumn discoloration, drought, nutrient or nitrogen deficiency or the fungal attack of boxwood rust. Adjusted irrigation, fertilization or infestation control can restore plant he alth.
Reddish leaves on boxwood have many causes
But before you grab a watering can and secateurs: Some types of boxwood tend to have brownish to reddish leaves in autumn. This is especially true for boxwood trees in sunny locations, which prepare for winter in this way. In spring the leaves turn green again on their own, so you don't have to make any further efforts.
drought
It looks different if the discoloration occurs after a longer dry period. This can be problematic for the box, especially in winter, which is why you should provide the plants with a little water from time to time on frost-free days. This is especially true for boxwoods that grow in sunny, dry locations and for boxwoods grown in pots.
nutrient/nitrogen deficiency
In addition to winter dryness, a nutrient deficiency often causes reddish to orange leaves. This leaf discoloration is mainly caused by a pronounced nitrogen deficiency, which usually only becomes apparent during the winter months. Ensure a balanced supply of nutrients to avoid the phenomenon. In an acute case, provide the box with a quick-acting liquid fertilizer (€13.00 on Amazon).
Boxwood rust
If, on the other hand, the orange foliage did not appear in winter or spring, but in autumn, an infection with the boxwood rust pathogen, Puccinia buxi, could be the cause. This is shown by rust-red colored spore deposits on both the top and bottom of the leaves. Remove infected plant parts immediately and never dispose of them in the compost but always with household waste! If the infestation is severe, you can also use a suitable fungicide.
Tip
Brown to black leaves can also have similar causes. Some of them are harmless - such as sunburn - but others threaten the entire boxwood population.