The common boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) originally comes from the Mediterranean region, but has also been at home in Central Europe for centuries and is very hardy. Only in very frosty winters can frost damage occur if the plant cannot absorb enough moisture due to the frozen ground.
The boxwood does not have a problem with frost but with a lack of water
Frost causes drought damage in boxwood
If the box tree suddenly develops yellow or brown leaves in spring, frost damage can be the cause. In this case, the plant could not absorb enough water during a prolonged frost period - during which the ground may have been frozen - and subsequently withered. In contrast to some other plants, Buchs also needs water during the winter months. Typically, however, the leaf damage only shows up long after the actual dry period, and the roots may also have been attacked.
Treat boxwood with dry damage properly
Once the leaves have changed color, they will not turn green again. This also applies if the plant recovers thanks to appropriate care. For this reason, a pruning makes sense, in which the dried shoots are removed. This measure stimulates the boxwood to sprout again, and the branching becomes denser and more compact the more often you cut. Even a deep cut back into the old wood does no harm, and can even save a box that is bare from the inside. Another sensible measure is to supply the attacked boxwood with a good long-term fertilizer. An organic mixture of compost, horn shavings (€32.93) and rock dust (€14.13) works best for this.
Overwinter boxwood properly in a pot
Boxwood cultivated in pots is significantly more sensitive to frost than specimens planted out. Therefore, you should take appropriate measures to protect it from cold temperatures:
- Loosely wrap the pot and, if necessary, the plant with garden fleece.
- Place the pot on an insulating surface, such as wood or polystyrene.
- Push the pot directly against a house wall.
- Place the box in bright light, but not in full sun.
- Don't forget to water the plant on frost-free days.
tips
Buchs should not be cut back after mid-August / early September, as this stimulates the development of new shoots. However, these would not mature in time before winter, so there is a risk of frostbite.