How To Revive Buxus

Can you Revive Buxus

Boxwood, or Buxus, is a lovely shrub with dense evergreen foliage and is very versatile. But like any plant, boxwood can have problems that will cause it to decline or even die. If you notice your boxwood is looking a bit rough, don’t worry – there are several things you can do to revive it and get it back to its former self. In this post, we will go through the common reasons why boxwood plants start to decline and give you practical tips on how to revive buxus/boxwood plants. Follow these and your boxwood shrubs will be thriving again.

Common reasons for boxwood decline

Before we get into the steps of how to revive buxus/boxwood plants, let’s first go through the common reasons why they start to decline. By knowing the underlying cause, you can address it better and help your boxwood recover. Here are the common reasons for boxwood decline:

1. Poor soil: Boxwood plants prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil. If the soil they are planted in is compacted or lacks drainage, it can cause root rot and other problems that will cause the plant to decline.
2. Overwatering or underwatering: Boxwood plants are sensitive to moisture fluctuations. Overwatering can cause root rot, underwatering can cause stress and make the plant more susceptible to pests and diseases.
3. Pest infestations: Boxwood plants are prone to pest infestations like boxwood leafminers and boxwood mites. These pests can damage the foliage and weaken the plant over time.
4. Disease: Boxwood plants are also susceptible to diseases like boxwood blight and root rot. If left untreated, these diseases can cause the plant to decline rapidly.
5. Nutrient deficiencies: Boxwood plants need regular fertilization to thrive. If they are not getting the necessary nutrients, they will start to decline.

How to revive buxus/boxwood plants

Now that we’ve gone through the common reasons for boxwood decline, let’s move on to the steps to revive your plants. Follow these tips to get your boxwood shrubs back to thriving:

1. Assess the plant: Start by carefully examining your boxwood plant to see if it’s declining. Look for yellowing or browning leaves, wilting foliage or any other unusual symptoms that may indicate a problem.
2. Check the soil: Test the soil around your boxwood plant to make sure it’s well-draining and has the right pH. If the soil is compacted or lacks drainage, amend it with organic matter to improve its quality.
3. Adjust watering: Ensure your boxwood plant gets the right amount of water. Water deeply and infrequently to promote root growth and prevent root rot. Don’t water the foliage to prevent disease.
4. Control pests: If you see any signs of pest infestations on your boxwood plant, control them. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat common pests like boxwood leafminers and mites.
5. Treat diseases: If your boxwood plant has a disease like boxwood blight, act fast to prevent further spread. Remove and dispose of infected foliage and treat the plant with a fungicide to control the disease.
6. Fertilize: Fertilize your boxwood plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer to give it the necessary nutrients for growth. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the right dosage and application method.
7. Prune: Pruning can help revive your boxwood plant and encourage new growth. Remove dead or damaged branches and overgrown or leggy growth to promote a more compact and healthy shape.
8. Mulch: Mulching around your boxwood plant will help retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds and improve overall soil health. Apply a layer of organic mulch like wood chips or shredded bark around the base of the plant.

By doing this, you’ll get your boxwood plants back to thriving. Check your plants regularly for any signs of decline and address them fast to prevent further damage. Your boxwood shrubs will thank you for it.