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Boxwood · Buxus

Why are my Common Boxwood leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves on a boxwood often signal a struggle with soil moisture or nutrient uptake. Check your soil drainage first to see if the roots are sitting in water.

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yellow leaves on a plant
Photo: Trio3D, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Feel the soil moisture two inches deep.
  2. Check that the plant is not sitting in a low spot where water pools.
  3. Look for signs of pests on the undersides of leaves.

Likely causes

  1. Poor Drainage

    Most likely

    How to tell: The soil stays soggy for days after watering and the leaves turn a dull, pale yellow.

    What to do: Improve soil drainage by amending the area with organic matter like compost. If the plant is in a pot, ensure it has drainage holes and use a well draining potting mix.

  2. Nutrient Deficiency

    Possible

    How to tell: Leaves turn yellow uniformly, often starting on older growth, while the veins remain green.

    What to do: Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring. Follow the package instructions for the size of your shrub.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your 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

It is normal to see a few yellow leaves deep inside the shrub during autumn. Worry if the yellowing spreads to the outer, newer growth.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain consistent watering and ensure your soil drains well to keep roots healthy.

Boxwood: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your boxwood and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Should I prune off the yellow leaves?
Yes, you can snip them off to keep the plant looking tidy. It will not hurt the shrub.
Can too much sun cause yellowing?
Yes, intense sun can bleach leaves, especially if the plant is stressed. Provide some afternoon shade if the heat is extreme.

More problems with Boxwood

Back to the Boxwood guide

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