Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip them off to keep the plant looking tidy. It will not hurt the plant to remove them.

Can too much sun cause yellow leaves?

Yes, Sweet box prefers shade. Too much direct sun can bleach the leaves and cause them to turn yellow or pale.

Why are my Sweet box leaves turning yellow? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil 2 inches deep to check for excess moisture.
Inspect the base of the plant for standing water.
Look for signs of pests on the undersides of the yellowing leaves.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil feels soggy or swampy to the touch. You might notice the yellowing starting on the lower, older leaves first.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. Ensure your planting site has good drainage, or consider moving the plant if the soil stays wet for more than a few days.
Nutrient Deficiency
Possible
How to tell: The leaves look pale or yellowed while the veins remain green. This often happens if the plant has been in the same spot for many years without fresh compost.
What to do: Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring. You can also top dress the base of the plant with 1 to 2 inches of organic compost to boost soil health.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your sweet box

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.

When to worry

A few yellow leaves in the center of the plant during spring are normal as the plant sheds old foliage. Worry if the yellowing is widespread or spreading rapidly across the entire shrub.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule of every 7 to 14 days and ensure the soil remains moist but never waterlogged.

Sweet box: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your sweet box 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I cut off the yellow leaves?: Yes, you can snip them off to keep the plant looking tidy. It will not hurt the plant to remove them.
Can too much sun cause yellow leaves?: Yes, Sweet box prefers shade. Too much direct sun can bleach the leaves and cause them to turn yellow or pale.

Why are my Sweet box leaves turning yellow?