A Conversation for The Blasted Heath : A Sanctuary for Challenged Gardeners
Box Blight
Seth of Rabi Started conversation Jun 30, 2001
Wilf,
I missed Gardener's World tonight. Apparently Pippa Greenwood had a bad case of Box Blight to treat and I was particularly disappointed to not to see this item. Can you shed any light on this area?
Box Blight
Wilfrid is 42 (1x7x3+0+21) Posted Jun 30, 2001
Oh, well, here goes then!!
Box Blight has got a bit more serious recently due to the arrival of a new strain from Europe (Cylindrocladium blight), which very often co-infects with the old native Volutella blight. There are no sprays available for this condition, and control is purely down to hygiene.
Like most fungal diseases, Box Blight tends to take hold in warm humid poorly ventilated conditions (harrumph). I presume Pippa has been keeeping her's formally clipped for decorative puposes. This increases congestion of what is already a very dense bush, and provides damaged areas through which infection can enter. (cough)
Best bet is to prune right back and let the air get at it, taking care to burn all the clippings. Then put the shears away for a couple of seasons to encourage a more open and natural habit.
Box Blight
Seth of Rabi Posted Jul 9, 2001
Very informative and beautifully put, Wilf. Do you prefer the formally clipped box, or the more natural bushy growth as nature intended?
Box Blight
Wilfrid is 42 (1x7x3+0+21) Posted Oct 17, 2001
then,
Me, I'd uproot the lot and plant rhubarb !
Seth, I see you around from time to time. Drop in for a chat 
Box Blight
Wilfrid is 42 (1x7x3+0+21) Posted Oct 28, 2001
We do indeed, Seth
:: pours 
::
Down the dandelions
Key: Complain about this post
Box Blight
- 1: Seth of Rabi (Jun 30, 2001)
- 2: Wilfrid is 42 (1x7x3+0+21) (Jun 30, 2001)
- 3: Wilfrid is 42 (1x7x3+0+21) (Jun 30, 2001)
- 4: Seth of Rabi (Jul 9, 2001)
- 5: I'm not really here (Aug 15, 2001)
- 6: Seth of Rabi (Aug 25, 2001)
- 7: Wilfrid is 42 (1x7x3+0+21) (Oct 17, 2001)
- 8: Seth of Rabi (Oct 20, 2001)
- 9: Wilfrid is 42 (1x7x3+0+21) (Oct 28, 2001)
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