3 sad looking & droopy boxwoods

by Madeline
(Neenah, WI 54956)

3 shrubs

3 shrubs

I live in NE Wisconsin, zone 5a. The green leaves of the 3 boxwoods look healthy but the branches are noticeably drooping or limp. The shrubs are mostly in the shade but my attached pictures were taken at 1:45 PM so they do get a little sun. We had a good rain a week ago and 2 short rainfalls since. This is the first time in their 5 to 7 years? that I’ve observed this. Shrub #3 shows 1 yellow stem but is probably because it’s broken, otherwise looks healthy.

Thank you in advance,
Madeline

Comments for 3 sad looking & droopy boxwoods

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Jun 03, 2020
 Wait
by: Jacki Cammidge, Certified Horticulturist

I wonder if there's something else going on, like root damage from the winter, or being too wet during the spring? This can impact plants, but the damage doesn't really materialize until the new growth appears.

If this is the first time you've seen this type of behaviour, it's something to be concerned about. Plants of that age, and well established, don't suddenly change overnight; ie: needing less/more sun etc.

There are a few things you can attempt. This would be a good time to trim one of them, taking it back to just above where the new growth starts. Leave the rest, and see if there is any difference to the way they appear. Unfortunately, whatever it is, there's not much you can do that will magically fix them.

Things not to do; do not fertilize them, or water them too much. If there is root damage, this will tip them over the edge.

Best treatment for anything like this; time and patience. Be vigilant that nothing else takes advantage of their weakened state, and take pictures every week or so.

Let me know what happens!

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