Troubleshooting
Green Velvet Boxwood problems — and how to fix them
Green Velvet Boxwood (Buxus 'Green Velvet') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Boxwood blight
Aggressive fungal disease with dark leaf spots, black stem streaks and defoliation. Use disease-free plants, water at soil level, promote airflow, and bag and bin infected material.
Winter bronzing
Cold, sunny, windy winters bronze the foliage orange. Provide some winter wind shelter and water before the ground freezes; green returns in spring.
Boxwood leafminer
Internal larval feeding causes leaf blistering and drop. Scout in spring and treat heavy infestations with a suitable systemic insecticide.
Root rot in poorly drained soil
Wet feet rot the shallow roots, causing decline. Plant in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering.
Prevent green velvet boxwood problems before they start
Most green velvet boxwood issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for green velvet boxwood in general rather than its problems? Read the full green velvet boxwood care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Green Velvet Boxwood problems — FAQ
Why is my green velvet boxwood boxwood blight?
Aggressive fungal disease with dark leaf spots, black stem streaks and defoliation. Use disease-free plants, water at soil level, promote airflow, and bag and bin infected material.
Why is my green velvet boxwood winter bronzing?
Cold, sunny, windy winters bronze the foliage orange. Provide some winter wind shelter and water before the ground freezes; green returns in spring.
Why is my green velvet boxwood boxwood leafminer?
Internal larval feeding causes leaf blistering and drop. Scout in spring and treat heavy infestations with a suitable systemic insecticide.
Why is my green velvet boxwood root rot in poorly drained soil?
Wet feet rot the shallow roots, causing decline. Plant in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering.