Sunburn on the boxwood: how can it be saved?

Since the box tree is used in many ways in the garden, it can happen that it gets a sunny spot. However, this can cause the sun's rays to burn the leaves of the shrub. This is how you react correctly to a sunburn on the boxwood.

Sunburn on the boxwood

Hints

• more or less sudden brown or white discoloration of part of the leaves
• Discoloration is on the south or Southeast side of the boxwood

Appear

• not just in summer
• even in spring, when the sun's rays hit frosted leaves
• after this Cutwhen previously protected leaves come into the sun

Note: In the bucket culture, burns from the sun's rays can also occur if the shrub is placed directly in the sun in spring.

Save boxwood

Although the damaged leaves are unsightly, Buxus should survive the burns on its own if no main shoots are affected. Nonetheless, you should take steps to help the shrub recover and protect it from the sun.

Cut out burned areas

Since the affected areas cannot be saved because they no longer develop green, you can cut them out. In order not to go from bad to worse, you should

• do not cut in full sun
• Picking up scissors on a sunny day in the evening
• wait for an overcast day

So that the holes on the boxwood grow over faster, it is advisable to subsequently sprinkle the bush with an organic fertilizer such as

• Compost or
• Horn shavings

to supply.

Transplanting or rearrange

Since a sunny location is not ideal for Buxus, move it to a more convenient location if possible transplant. A place in partial shade or under shading higher plants is ideal. The same procedure is recommended for the bucket culture. You should also initiate the changeover as an immediate measure in order to avoid major damage from the sun.

Sun protection

If the box tree cannot move, for example because it serves as a privacy screen or as a border, you should shade it on very sunny days to protect it from sunburn. For example, are suitable for this

• a shade sail or
• Shading nets.

Note the time of cutting

Although Buxus is very easy to cut, it is weakened for a short time by cutting. If he gets sunburn after the cut, this weakens him further, making him more susceptible to diseases and pests. Therefore, you should only use it on cloudy days or before or cut after sunset.

Note: If the boxwood has to be cut in full sun, you should protect it from direct sunlight after cutting with shading nets.

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