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Boxwood: caterpillars, browning and careful diagnosis

Buxus sempervirens. Webbing, stripped leaves and dieback need different responses, so inspect the interior before treatment.

Boxwood

Light

Sun to shade with airflow through dense growth.

Watering

Water during establishment and drought without saturating heavy soil.

Soil

Reasonably fertile and free-draining.

More useful detail

Care over time

Through the seasons

Inspect repeatedly through the growing season because box tree moth can have several generations.

Growth and maintenance

Trim in suitable dry conditions and clean tools between suspect plants.

Plant

A simple care routine for Boxwood

  1. 1

    Check the available light and moisture below the surface.

  2. 2

    Open the canopy gently and examine leaves, stems and soil before choosing an action.

  3. 3

    Track new growth and change only one condition at a time.

Observation

Changes worth checking

  • Webbing with green caterpillars
  • Black streaks and leaf drop
  • Browning limited to dry exposed sides
Important

Watering frequency changes with light, temperature, pot size and soil. Treat any interval as a reminder to check, not an automatic watering day.

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Related guides and features

Library Plant care library Practical plant profiles for light, watering, soil and the changes worth watching. Read the guide → Library Plant problems Yellow leaves, brown spots and root problems: learn what to inspect first and how to avoid making the situation worse. Read the guide → Feature Plant care and garden planner Florli brings plants, places, work history and weather into one focused list for today and the days ahead. Read the guide →
Sources and further reading: RHS: plants and gardening advice

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Prepared by Florli. This is general guidance. Sources are listed with each guide, and every decision should reflect the species, location, weather and the plant’s current condition.