Boxwood Winter Bronzing: Root Stress or Nematodes—Here's How to Tell

Purple-bronze winter color = common stress response. Causes:

• Root stress from summer water extremes (shallow roots).
• Nematodes (microscopic root-feeding worms).

Diagnose

Check soil drainage. Submit summer soil sample to Extension for nematode assay.

Replace With Resistant Types

'Green Velvet' or 'Green Mountain' resist root problems and hold color. Plant in well-drained soil.