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Littleleaf boxwood · Buxus microphylla

What are these spots on my boxwood leaves?

It is less common for this plant to develop spots, but they often appear due to fungal pathogens or environmental damage. Check the leaf surfaces first to see if the spots are fuzzy or if they have a distinct ring pattern.

spots on a plant
Photo: Scot Nelson, CC0

Check these first

  1. Look for fungal growth or spores on the underside of the spots.
  2. Check if the spots are only on the side of the plant facing the sun.
  3. Remove any fallen leaves from the base of the plant.

Likely causes

  1. Leaf spot fungi

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see small, circular brown or tan spots on the leaves, sometimes with a dark border. These spots may grow together over time.

    What to do: Remove and destroy any heavily spotted leaves to prevent the spores from spreading. Apply a copper-based fungicide during wet weather to protect healthy foliage. Improve airflow around the plant by thinning out dense branches.

  2. Sunscald

    Possible

    How to tell: The spots appear as bleached or scorched patches on the leaves that receive the most direct sun. This often happens after a sudden change in light exposure.

    What to do: Provide temporary shade with a cloth or screen during the hottest part of the day. Gradually acclimate the plant to brighter light over 2 to 3 weeks to prevent further burning.

Find out what's wrong with your littleleaf boxwood

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

If the spots are spreading rapidly and causing the leaves to turn yellow or drop, you need to treat the plant immediately. A few isolated spots are usually harmless and do not require chemical treatment.

Stopping it coming back

Water at the base of the plant rather than overhead to keep the foliage dry. Keep the plant healthy with proper light and soil conditions to boost its natural defenses.

Keep your littleleaf boxwood healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Are these spots contagious to my other plants?
Fungal leaf spots can spread via water splashes or wind. Keep the affected plant isolated until the issue is resolved.
Should I cut off all the spotted leaves?
Remove the worst ones, but do not strip the plant bare. Focus on improving airflow and keeping the leaves dry.

More problems with Littleleaf boxwood

Back to the Littleleaf boxwood guide

This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.