Notes From My Garden Shed 3: Boxwood Woes

Boxwood Woes? You are not alone! The “box tree moth” has attacked boxwoods from Windsor to the Niagara area this spring. If you catch the infestation early, hard pruning will help (but do not compost the diseased branches), but you may still have to have them sprayed. The spray may need to be applied more than once to catch the insects in their various stages.

If you are too frustrated to nurse your sickly boxwoods along as they slowly die, it might be time to pull them up. Choosing an alternative plant might be faster and more rewarding. Here are some possible substitutes that may prove to be more disease/insect resistant. (But remember, nothing is completely problem-free… that is part of the gardener’s challenge!)

Practical Substitutes for Boxwoods

1. Dwarf Yews: Yews are very user-friendly, low fuss, and long-living!
2. Any Dwarf Globe Cedar: There are lovely ones like “Tator Tots” or golden globe varieties.
3. Holly Bushes: Inkberry Holly and Brass Buckle Holly are two small/dwarf varieties.
4. Barberry: If you don’t mind the prickles, “Concord” Barberry has beautiful color.
5. Spiraea: There are many varieties to choose from (I like them all!).
6. Weigela: MY FAVORITE! The dwarf shrub with burgundy foliage and colorful blossoms. Varieties such as ‘Midnight Wine’, ‘My Monet’, or ‘Spilled Wine’.

I hope the boxwood dilemmas are not too discouraging. Think of it as a gardening challenge. I found the above varieties of plants from a local supplier, Connons/NVK (NVKNurseries.com). Good luck and happy gardening.

Let the field be joyful and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the Lord.
Psalm 96:12