Brown spots on boxwoods
Janet Asked
What causes brown spots on a boxwood? The brown leaves die and fall off.
The Gardener’s Answer
Hi, Janet: There are a few issues that can cause brown spots on boxwoods. Winter injury and fungal pathogens, such as boxwood blight are possibilities. Boxwood leaf miner can also cause brown spots on these evergreens. Defoliation occurs with heavy infestations. Kentucky experienced extreme lows last winter and we saw a lot of winter injury on broadleaf evergreens. Did your boxwoods come out of the winter with brown spots or did they develop during the growing season? You can take a sample to the horticulture agent at the Warren County Cooperative Extension Service. The agent will be able to give you a diagnosis specific to your plant as well as treatment options.
Angie Oakley
Kentucky Living-Ask the Gardener
