How to revive dry Buxus?

Smidder

My standard Buxus looked lovely with new growth 8 weeks ago when I went on holiday.. It looked very sad and dry upon my return. The leaftips have lost all colour and are now going brown. Obviously missed out on the watering very kindly done for me in my absence. Should I trim back?

JacobZ

Hi @Smidder,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Yes, you should trim back your Buxus to encourage new growth and improve its appearance. Start by removing the brown, dry, or damaged leaves and branches, focusing on the affected areas to promote healthy regrowth. Avoid cutting back too hard; prune lightly to maintain the plant’s shape and reduce stress. Ensure you use clean, sharp secateurs or hedge shears as the cleaner your cuts are, the quicker the plant will heal and bounce back.

Give the plant a deep soak to rehydrate the roots and ensure the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged. Consistent watering is key to recovery.

Feeding the plant with a slow-release fertilizer such as this Scotts Osmocote All Purpose Controlled Release Fertiliser will also provide the nutrients it needs to recover.

Over the next few weeks, the plant should begin to bounce back with fresh growth. Keep an eye on its condition to ensure it continues improving.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob