Boxwood Blight: Identifying and Managing Volutella Stem Blight

Three out of five 12-year-old boxwoods in partial sun developed brown, dry leaves. The diagnosis: Volutella Leaf and Stem Blight, caused by the fungus Pseudonectria rouselliana (asexual stage Volutella buxi). It attacks non-vigorous plants but can infect healthy ones too.

Symptoms

• Leaves turn from dark green to bronze, then tan.
• Infected leaves curl upward and cling close to the stem.
• Cream to light pink fruiting bodies appear on leaves and twigs.

Control Measures

1. Sanitation: Remove diseased branches as soon as noticed; cut 4+ inches below visible damage.
2. Clean debris: Remove dead leaves lodged in branch crotches.
3. Thin plants: Improve light penetration and air circulation.
4. Protect from wounds: Avoid winter injury and mechanical damage.
5. Fungicides: In severe cases, protect new growth with fungicides (they won’t cure infected wood). Atomic Grow is noted as an organic option; conventional fungicides are also available at nurseries.

Prompt action can save the remaining boxwoods and prevent spread.