Arizona Gardening Southwestern Gardening

Boxwood Bronzing - Why and how to address?

7 years ago

We have boxwoods (Korean boxwood 'Winter Gem', I believe) planted on the south side of our home, along a retention wall, in North Scottsdale. They get full sun and are on an irrigation system. During their first summer, they fared well but this past summer of 2018 was a different story. When we returned to our home in October, the boxwoods in the more exposed areas along the wall were turning orange. They are now almost all orange. Note: the leaves are orange, or green with orange/red edges, not brown and dry.

When I asked the landscaper, he blamed it on winter bronzing, but these plants were green and thriving when we left in May, so the issue definitely occurred during the summer. Can boxwood get "summer bronzing" from too much sun and heat? Or is this a watering or disease problem? Can something be done to help them "green up"? I have tried asking at local nurseries but since boxwoods are not commonly grown in our area, I'm struggling to find someone who knows much about growing them here. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

I have attached a photo taken in May. Note: the boxwoods are in the front row around the seating area. I have attached a couple other photos taken today (December).

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Comments (4)

MaryMcP Zone 8b - Phx AZ
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I Googled your plant and found the following on Monrovia's site:

An excellent evergreen shrub for small hedges. Among the hardiest of the small-leaved boxwoods, the rich green foliage can acquire a golden bronze hue in cold winter zones, but is one of the first to become green again in spring. Makes a wonderful addition to formal gardens, providing year-round interest.

The site says it's ok for my zone, 9, which Monrovia tracks based on zip code. The plants may just be bronzing due to cooler temps.
noseometer...(7A, SZ10, Albuquerque)
7 years ago
Some varieties of boxwood turn entirely to a solid Crayola orange in the winter here. I think it's rather striking especially against a dark green background. They green up again when the weather warms up. I've been wondering what variety they are, and maybe you have given me the answer.
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Li
Original Author
7 years ago
The boxwoods were just starting to show orange in late October and became more and more so throughout November. Here in North Scottsdale, the temperatures were mostly in the 70s during the month of November, with only a few days getting into the low 40s at night. This did not happen last year, which was their first winter. I'm still not convinced that the cold is causing the problem. This varietal of Boxwood can handle winters in the Northeast!!
Jen
5 years ago
Did they ever green up again?