The varieties of the common boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) and the small-leaved boxwood (Buxus microphylla) can be found in most gardens here: the former originally comes from the Mediterranean region, but has also been in Central and Western Europe for many centuries native. Basically, both species are insensitive to cold and heat, but they quickly get sunburnt in strong sunlight.
How can you treat and prevent sunburn on boxwood?
Sunburn on boxwood is caused by strong sunlight and appears in brown leaves. To treat it, cut out the affected areas, fertilize the plant and provide sufficient water and nutrients. Avoid sunburn by placing the box in partial shade in winter, slowly accustoming it to the sun and ensuring a balanced supply of water and nutrients.
Boxwood has brown leaves – why is that?
If the otherwise he althy boxwood suddenly develops brown leaves, there can be many reasons. Possible are about
- a fungal infection
- a pest infestation (especially by spider mites and boxwood gall midge)
- Drought / lack of water supply
- too much moisture / damp location / waterlogging
However, if only parts of the plant facing a certain direction turn brown, it is most likely a case of sunburn. This usually occurs on the south or southeast side because the sunlight is particularly intense here.
How to treat sunburn on boxwood
Once the leaves and shoots have turned brown, they stay that way - and no longer take on a fresh green color. In such a case, your only option is to cut out the dried areas. However, do not prune the damaged areas in full sun, otherwise you will have the same problem again within a few days. It is better to wait until the sun has largely disappeared in the evening or the sky has become overcast. To ensure that the holes created when cutting grow back as quickly as possible, you should then fertilize the box. Organic fertilizers such as compost and horn shavings (€32.00 on Amazon) are well suited for this purpose.
Avoid sunburn on boxwood
Sunburn on boxwood occurs for different reasons:
- on very sunny, frosty days in winter
- if a container box is placed in full sun in the spring without preparation
- during a dry and hot phase during the summer months
Therefore, you can protect your book from burning with a few simple measures:
- Place your boxwood in partial shade in winter.
- Shade planted boxwood on sunny and frosty days.
- Kübelbuchs slowly get used to a sunny location in spring.
- Also ensure a balanced supply of water and nutrients.
In sunny locations you should also pay more attention to spider mites. These love dry and warm locations and multiply very quickly here.
Tip
Brown or black leaves can also be the first indication of the dreaded boxwood shoot dieback, a dangerous fungal disease.
