Best Alternatives to Buxus
Box Tree Caterpillar and Blight are unfortunately prevalent in the UK.
What once was one of the most popular of plants is now the one to avoid.
Gardeners are likely to become aware of box tree caterpillar when they find webbing and caterpillars on box plants.
The pale yellow flattish eggs are laid sheet-like, overlapping each other on the underside of box leaves.
When it comes to Box Blight, the leaves will display black/brown spots with black streaks on the stem and will ultimately fall.
Gardeners and Landscapers are quickly turning to the best alternatives to Buxus.
Here is a link to our guidance page to help you spot the problem to help you make the decision whether to switch.
This is a snapshot of our best alternatives to Buxus as without regular treatment their onslaught seems unstoppable.
Ilex Crenata - our best alternatives to Buxus
Ilex Crenata - Japanese Holly has long been touted as a replacement.
In our opinion Caroline Upright is the closest we have come across, to an untrained eye they are almost identical to Buxus.
With their beautiful glossy leaves, small white flowers in Summer and, on the female, shiny black berries.
Ilex are an easily cared for plant if planted correctly, dappled shade is recommended.
They thrive in Acidic soil so adding ericaceous compost or Sulphate of Iron to the area 2/3 times a year will keep the acid levels high.
Known Problems with Ilex our best alternatives to Buxus
As with all plants ilex can be affected by pests. In particular:
Diseases connected to Ilex:
Keeping your Ilex healthy will help stop problems.
Taxus Buccata
Taxus Buccata - Common Yew are also a great alternative to Buxus.
A low maintenance, relatively trouble free option preferred by landscapers and Gardeners.
The evergreen foliage has needle like leaves and can be shaped quite easily.
They have a small insignificant flower followed by a red fruit on the female plants.
Unfortunately Taxus contains toxic alkaloids taxines so should not be ingested.
Know problems with Taxus
As with all plants Taxus can be affected by pests. In particular:
Diseases connected with Taxus:
Pittosporum
Pittosporum Golf ball and Silver Ball both lovely and compact and a great alternative to Buxus.
With their pale small leaves they brighten up a garden.
Make sure they are planted in well drained soil and protected from exposed areas.
Pests that can affect Pittosporum are Pittosporum Sucker
Euonymus Japonicus
A compact glossy evergreen shrub that is tolerant to wind and salt.
The Jean Hughes is our particular favourite but there is also the Green Spire.
Pests associated with Euonymus are Euonymus Scale.
ATTRACTING BIRDS INTO YOUR GARDEN
As you can see, even finding the best alternatives to Buxus will not stop the pests.
Biological controls are the best so try and attract birds to your garden to feed on the pests.
Add a bird feeder to your outdoor space. Whether it has Mealworms, Niger Seeds or Suet balls it will satisfy the local birds.
You could even add Peanuts as they are full of Protein and fat.
Make sure you place it somewhere safe. Once the birds have found the food, they will return.
Give them access to fresh water whether it be a bird bath or a small container.
If you can, have somewhere for them to nest safely away from potential predators. A nice sheltered area is ideal.
Gardeners World have some great tips as do the RSPB.
Contact us.
We hope our best alternatives to Buxus guide has helped.
If you do require any further guidance regarding a suitable alternative please contact us.