I've been noticing this year that Buxus plants, also known as boxwoods, are really struggling. A customer who recently had a box hedge installed told me it's all getting infested with blight. Additionally, my partner's parents believe their hedge is suffering from caterpillar damage, and I've seen many box plants on building sites where I work gradually dying off for various reasons. Has anyone else observed this problem, and what do you think could be causing it?
3 Answers
I've noticed a lot of places are not stocking Buxus anymore either. It’s just getting too risky with blight becoming such a common problem. Maybe it’s time to explore different plants that won’t face the same issues? There are plenty of beautiful alternatives out there!
It’s been a tough time for Buxus for sure! A lot of people are saying that these plants have been doomed for years due to persistent blight issues. Some garden centers even stopped selling them! It seems like a mixture of uninformed customers and greedy contractors are making things worse by not being honest about the risks. Just remember, there are plenty of other options out there that aren't facing the same fate. Also, dealing with caterpillars can be a real pain. My father-in-law plants Brussels sprouts every year, and they end up getting eaten up too, so it feels like a cycle!
Yeah, I totally get that! It’s frustrating when you try to do the right thing and end up with a garden full of stunted plants. What alternatives have you found that work well?
I agree, the biggest issue lately seems to be the annoying moths. If there aren't enough birds around to keep their numbers in check, those caterpillars can really damage the box bushes in a few years. It's a tough spot, especially with Buxus so vulnerable right now. Have you considered trying Ilex crenata instead? They look similar and might be a better option in the long run, although they do grow a bit slower.
Definitely! I’ve had my own struggles with these pests too. It’s like you need to battle an army just to keep your plants alive!