Boxwood Problems Annapolis, MD
I can not recommend boxwoods for our area. They have been a cultural touchstone for hundreds of years - bringing that “Old World” charm and structure to our gardens. However, the recent Boxwood Blight, which was first confirmed in Maryland in December of 2011, isn’t the only mounting threat.
Boxwood Blight Damage
Tell-Tale Sign of Boxwood Blight
Leaves display circular dark spots before the blight travels to the stem and shuts down the entire stem.
UMD Extension has excellent resources if you think your boxwoods have Boxwood Blight.
Box Tree Moth
The Box Tree Moth
This is our NEW pest. In July 2025 the state of Maryland had it’s first infestation in Washington County. It was first identified in New York in 2021 and is moving it’s way into our area.
The moths have two morphs
The white morph (above) and brown morph (left). Both are identifiable by the comma shaped cream marking on their wings.
The Box Tree Moth caterpillars defoliate a boxwood alarmingly fast. I’ve witnessed the affect in Washington county where an entire 30 year old hedge was defoliated in 4 days.
The University of Maryland has some excellent resources for your toolkit this year. Educating yourself is the first step to saving your boxwoods.
Love that boxwood look? Consider Gem Box Inkberry (native); Strong Box Inkberry (native); Soft Touch Holly (non-native/ Japan)
