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

In a nutshell

  • Sunburn usually only causes visual damage to boxwood (bot. Buxus).
  • Burnt leaves no longer turn green
  • Cutting out and new shoots correct this deficiency
  • protect very sunny specimens

Sunburn on the box tree

Hints

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

Appear

  • not only in summer
  • also in spring, when the sun's rays hit the frosted leaves
  • after cutting, when previously protected leaves come into the sun

Notice: In the tub 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 visually 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.

The most effective countermeasure for sunburn on boxwood is to use scissors.

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
  • grab a pair of scissors on a sunny day in the evening
  • wait for an overcast day

So that the holes in the boxwood grow faster, it is advisable to then treat the shrub with an organic fertilizer such as

  • compost or
  • horn shavings

to supply.

Transplant or rearrange

Since a sunny location is not ideal for Buxus, you should transplant it to a more suitable spot if possible. A spot in partial shade or under shading taller plants is ideal. The same procedure is recommended for bucket culture. Here you should initiate the conversion as an immediate measure to avoid major damage from the sun.

It is best to make sure when planting that the boxwood is not too sunny. This saves a later transplanting.

sun protection

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

  • an awning or
  • shade nets.

Note the cutting time

Although Buxus is very tolerant of pruning, pruning weakens it for a short time. If he gets a sunburn after the cut, this weakens him further, making him more susceptible to diseases and pests. Therefore you should only cut on overcast days or before or after sunset.

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

frequently asked Questions

Is there a guide for trimming burnt boxwood parts?

Instructions in the actual sense are not required for the measures, as all burnt shoots are simply cut out.

When should I prune a box damaged by the winter sun?

In this case, you should wait for frost-free weather that lasts for several days. Alternatively, you can cut the shrub in spring.

Can boxwood blossoms also be burnt by the sun?

Yes, sunburn is possible on leaves and flowers.

Category:

Garden plants