My hedge has gone reddish - is this box blight? What should I use to treat it?
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @viaro_h. It is wonderful to have you with us.
From the photos, I believe your hedge is a Balearic Buxus, and what you're seeing looks like bronzing caused by winter stress. Many varieties of buxus can develop bronze, reddish or brownish foliage when exposed to cold temperatures, frost and drying winter winds.
I wouldn't be too concerned at this stage. Keep the hedge adequately watered when conditions are dry but avoid overwatering or trying to push lots of new growth with heavy fertilising while the weather is still cold. You can also tidy up and add a layer of mulch around the base to help maintain more consistent soil moisture and protect the roots, ensuring you keep the mulch away from the stems.
As the weather warms up and the plants return to active growth, I'd expect them to start producing fresh green foliage and gradually recover. At this stage, I'd give them a little time rather than doing anything drastic.
Allow me to tag some knowledgeable gardeners to see what they think - @mich1972, @Noelle, @robchin.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Jacob
Hi @viaro_h
Your hedge, while it looks a little sad in your photos, is showing very typical winter symptoms. The advice Jacob has given you is appropriate, in late winter coming into spring.
Good morning @viaro_h I agree with Jacob and Noelle. Looks like the cold weather.
