I previously planted " a lot" of Baby Gem boxwoods to border my rather long front entrance sidewalk. After a few months, I noticed some of the leaves turning yellow, then brown, then dying. The entire plant ended up dying & I was mortified to say the least as these boxwoods are not cheap!! I sent in a sample to my local universitys' horticulture professors & they diagnosed them with boxwood dieback disease, of which there is no cure! Imagine my devastation as I had to pull up every single one! My nursery sells Baby Jade boxwood & I'm wondering if these, too, can contract this disease? Please let me know your thoughts & I look forward to your prompt reply!

Susan

I have never heard of Boxwood Dieback Disease but I have a couple questions:

How is it transmitted from plant to plant?

Where is it when there are no boxwwods around? In the soil? Air borne? Does it come with the plants, just waiting for spring?

If one type of boxwood is affected, I can't imagine they all aren't. And, as you already have a lot of dead boxwoods, I wouldn't give new one's much hope of surviving.

Ouch, that is tough news. What a terrible disappointment! Can you tell us more about this disease, SuSu?

Thanks for your replies, Daisyl & Laurie. Here is a link that explains a little about the boxwood dieback. I LOVE the dwarf varieties but am hesitant to plant them because of this disease! Wellll, it won't allow me to post a link!

I do believe "it comes with the plant" when you purchase it. I bought them wholesale from a grower as I have a license to do so. I wish to plant more but just don't know :-(
Just Google boxwood dieback you can read much more on it.

SuSu

Once it "comes with the plant", is it in the soil, waiting for the next susceptible plant? After reading a little about this disease yesterday, it seems that ALL boxwoods plus a few other types of plants are susceptible. I can't find information about how it travels from plant to plant or where its hiding in the meantime. Is it possible to go back to the University horticulturist with a list of questions? I think its important to know where the disease comes from (with the plant, in the soil, in the air,...) and how it is transmitted before you proceed with a replacement plan.

I would talk to the grower you got the plants from - if it does come with the plant, there should be some kind of warranty. Usually, plants are guaranteed for a year.