Yellow leaves on my boxwood.

[Orange County]

I do not know what is happening with my boxwood.

 

[Burl]

Tagging this thread because my boxeood has exactly the same.

 

[rockm]

Pictures of leaves only go so far. What's the soil Iike (pic would help). What are you watering practices?

 

[Orange County]

Thank you for your reply, I water only when the top of the soil is dry, this month I do it every two days.
30% akadama, 30% kiryu zuna, 20% kanuma, 20% sphagnum moss.

 

[rockm]

Thank you for your reply, I water only when the top of the soil is dry, this month I do it every two days.
30% akadama, 30% kiryu zuna, 20% kanuma, 20% sphagnum moss.

Post a pic of the soil

 

[The Barber]

I do not know what is happening with my boxwood. View attachment 616237View attachment 616238View attachment 616239 View attachment 616237View attachment 616238View attachment 616239

How do you fertilize your boxwood? Might sprinkle a tablespoon of epsom salts on the soil then water it afterwords. The leaves look a bit yellow to me, should help.

 

[Orange County]

This is a photo of the soil after watering ( Today ). I fertilize with Tamahi in the spring and BioGold in the fall. I haven't pruned branches since 2020; it's still weak.
I transplanted them just to check the roots, they are healthy, three times ( 2020 Akadama, pumice; 2022 pumice and 2025 akadama, kiryuzuna, kanuma and spagnum moss) I haven't pruned roots.

 

[Wulfskaar]

One of my boxwoods is like this, but it's usually a whole branch that goes yellow, while the rest look fine.

 

[Orange County]

It's been weak for five years now. I've tried everything: foliar fertilizer, solid organic fertilizer, Epson Salt, systemic fungicides, etc. I'm worried because four days ago I submerged the boxwood in water for 10 minutes, and the soil is still moist. It might not survive another year.
I just read online that boxwoods live 60 or 70 years in optimal conditions. Maybe mine is too old?

https://blog.plantids.com/what-is-the-lifespan-of-a-boxwood-bush.html

 

[The Barber]

Might want to update your profile and add your location, would help knowing where you live. Trees are nearing dormancy this time of year, shorter daylight periods, cooler weather, it won't be using as much water so will dry out much slower. As long as the soil is draining we'll, it shouldn't be an issue if it stays moist.

How often do you fertilize, and what do you use? Is it kept in full sun, shade etc. Need specifics.

How much growth did it do this year?

 

[Orange County]

I live in zone 9B. I fertilized with tamahi (6 balls) in March of this year; only 2 to 4 leaves grew. This week the temperature is between 60 and 75 degrees. My boxwood gets full sun from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. For the past 5 years, I have not pruned any roots or branches; it is losing more leaves than it is growing. I will not fertilize this fall; it is too weak.

 

[The Barber]

I live in zone 9B. I fertilized with tamahi (6 balls) in March of this year; only 2 to 4 leaves grew. This week the temperature is between 60 and 75 degrees. My boxwood gets full sun from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. For the past 5 years, I have not pruned any roots or branches; it is losing more leaves than it is growing. I will not fertilize this fall; it is too weak.

At 5 years, I would think it is overdue for a repotting. Is the soil still draining well?

 

[BC Bonsai]

Imo, Boxwoods like good drainage and non-acidic soil. Perhaps, a larger mixture of Akadama and Kiru with no Kanuma, as it creates a more acidic soil. As well, it may be time for a root pruning.

 

[Orange County]

I repotted three times: 2020 Akadama 50%, pumice 50%;
2022 pumice 100%
2025 akadama 30%, kiryuzuna 30 %, kanuma 20 % and spagnum moss 20 % ( Read this mix in a Japanese book )
I used a rake to remove the old soil, the roots did not grow too long and I didn't prune them. I simply used different soil mixes and the roots looked healthy.
I have no experience with boxwood. This is my first time, and while searching for information about it, I saw this article online.

The Ideal pH Range for Boxwood Growth​

Boxwoods (Buxus spp.) thrive in soil with a slightly acidic to neutral PH. The optimal range for most varieties is between 6.0 and 7.0. This slightly acidic environment promotes the availability of essential nutrients like iron, manganese, and zinc, which are crucial for healthy boxwood growth and vibrant foliage.
While boxwoods can tolerate a wider range of pH levels, growth and vigor can decline outside this optimal zone. For instance, in overly alkaline soil (pH above 7.0), the availability of essential nutrients decreases, leading to nutrient deficiencies, stunted growth, and yellowing leaves. Conversely, in extremely acidic soil (pH below 6.0), aluminum toxicity can occur, damaging root systems and hindering overall plant health.