If your boxwood shrub is starting to look wilted or droopy, there are a few things you can try to revive it:
- Water it thoroughly. Boxwoods are drought tolerant once established, but a period of drought can stress them. Water the soil until it is moist 6 inches deep.
- Fertilize it. Use an all-purpose granular fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer. This will give it a nutrient boost.
- Prune any dead or damaged branches. Cut them back just above healthy green growth. This removes places for disease and pests to invade.
- Provide partial shade if it's in full sun. Boxwood prefers afternoon shade, especially in hot climates. Move or add a temporary shade cloth if needed.
- Check for pests or disease. Treat any issues promptly according to recommendations. Common problems are boxwood leafminer, boxwood blight, or boxwood psyllid.
Be patient, as it may take the shrub a month or two to fully recover. Cut it back heavily as a last resort if it continues declining. Proper care now can help revive a struggling boxwood.
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Q&A – What’s wrong with my boxwood? Some leaves are yellowing.
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