Welcome to Knowledge Base. You will find here a rich source of knowledge and wisdom relating to Box Blight, Topbuxus Healthmix and other topical issues and news that folk are asking about.
Click the button below and reach out with your question or query. We’ll be very glad to help.
Feel free to comment or reply to any posts if you feel you can make a contribution.
*Please note that as a UK supplier we cannot answer questions regarding the use of Topbuxus Xentari (Box Moth caterpillar treatment) as this product has not yet been approved for use or sale in the UK.
Hi, I have just sprayed with Xentari on four buxus that have been badly eaten. How long should I wait until I give a feed of Grow? Or should I not been feeding this late in the year?
Emma, I would suggest you feed them straight away with Topbuxus Grow. Your plants need all the support they can get to help them recover from the caterpillar damage.
Can I dissolve top buxus grow in water
Marie,
No, Topbuxus Grow should only be applied as granules. More info about the application of Topbuxus Grown can be found here https://www.topbuxus.co.uk/product/topbuxus-grow/
Hi can I mix a sachet of Xentari with a health mix tablet and do the treatment altogether?
Yes you can.
Hi,
I sprayed all box in my customers garden with Topbuxus Healthmix, it rained the next day! Do I need to respray? How long would you say it needs to be on the plant before it becomes effective in case of rain showers again please? Thanks Bev
Bev,
As long as the Healthmix has had time to dry on to the leaves, rain is not a problem. It depends on the weather but normally 3 or 4 hours is enough for the Healthmix to dry.
Iv noticed when I apply the health mix that the Buxus end up with some blue splashes on them. Although easily brushed off, I just wondered what causes this? Am I spraying them for too long?
Gary,
Yes, I’ve often noticed the same after I’ve sprayed my plants at home. The Blue splashes are simply the residue left behind when the Healthmix has dried on. It is quite normal and doesn’t mean you are over spraying them. I would not recommend brushing it off – it is not a big concession to make if you protecting your plants from Blight.
Hi Jack, I’m glad it’s not just me it happens too.
That’s very true.
Dear Sirs,
I’d thought I would contact you as a business user that the product is amazing. Not only has it restored and saved a very old box hedge, but it has also saved a scarlet firethorn from brown spot.
The client is totally speechless and has said that her box hedge has never looked so healthy since she has lived there. The firethorn was in trouble and she didn’t want to loose it. Every leaf had brown spot and 3 weeks later maybe a dozen leaves are left with brown spot.
Chris,
Brilliant news! Thanks so much for taking the time to reach out to us, it is much appreciated and very interesting.
Will topbuxus health mix kill spider mite?
Frankie,
Topbuxus Healmix will not kill spider mites I’m afraid. The most effective way to control Spider mites that we know of is the predatory mite, Phytoseiulus persimilis, which are readily available to buy online.
Trust that helps.
Is Topbuxus grow safe to use if I have a dog?
Alison, As with almost any fertilizer, it would not do your dog any good (or make it grow:) if it ate Topbuxus Grow. I should think it unlikely that the dog will want to eat the fertilizer but if you are concerned I would advise you try to keep the dog away from the treated plants.
Dear customer services
I followed the advice of @sashinthegarden on Instagram and have been treating my box hedging with your health mix. It’s due a cut but….wow! I thought you might like to see it.
I don’t know if you follow her but she’s just planted up a walled garden with box. Risky some would say – but if it ends up like this it will be magnificent. i can only imagine she’s tried and tested your product and knows she’s safe. I don’t know how many of her followers’ gardens have benefited from her repeated advice but I’m very glad I have!
Best wishes
Lucy
Lucy, Thanks so much for sharing – your Box plants look amazing!
Yesterday I sprayed all box in my garden with Topbuxus Healthmix, but two hours later there was an unexpected heavy downpour of rain. Assume I’ll need to respray them but not sure. Could you please advise.
Roy,
Yes, I would advise you spray again.
Thanks very much your advice
Hi. Does this contain chilli? I had a reaction to it and don’t know if I’m allergic to something new or if this is an ingredient.
Janette,
As far as I’m aware our products do not contain chilli. For more information please scroll to the bottom of our website where you will find a link to our Safety Data Sheets. Or you can view them here.
Can I spray this on lawns
Paul,
Topbuxus Healthmix has been specifically produced for spraying on Box plants, so I can’t guarantee it will help your lawn but I’m sure it would not do it any damage if you wanted to try it.
I went on holiday during a hot spell, asking neighbours (perhaps unwisely) to spray their hosepipe over hedge occasionally to keep my (then healthy) potted plants alive, including a number of Box topiary bushes. On return, some of the Box bushes (the finer leaf ones) looked like they were dying (leaves brown-ish and papery). Not sure if this was blight or something else, but I started using your HealthMix for the first time, and for a few weeks nothing much happened. I was thinking of asking you if the product goes on working when it’s dried on the leaves leaving a white-ish coating, but then things started taking off and all my Box bushes began to sprout, even a couple on which almost all the leaves had gone brown or dropped off. It’s looking like I won’t have lost any of them, which is great. Whether this is all due to the HealthMix, or partly due to a natural Summer growth spurt I’m not sure (would mid-May to mid-June be a time when this happens?) but all the Box bushes certainly look greener and healthier, affected and non-affected plants alike.
Jane, Thanks for your contribution. From your description of the plants it could be that they were suffering from a touch of Blight (possibly also a lack of water do you think?). I am not surprised that they have recovered. Now that you can be sure that they are being watered correctly and combined with Topbuxus Healthmix treatments they should indeed be looking much better. As you may have seen on our reviews page someone else also found that Topbuxus Healthmix ‘totally revived 6 defoliated balls’. Box will often have growth spurt mid-June.
Good luck and trust your plants continue to improve.
Hi, I have your product but just wanted to make sure it’s working for the Cydalima perspectalis please ? Thanks
Agata,
For more information about our product for treating Box Tree Moth please visit https://www.topbuxus.co.uk/topbuxus-xentari-boxtree-moth-caterpillar-treatment/
Is Xentari Caterpillar treatment no longer available in the uk? If not why is this? Can I only buy from The Netherlands? Is this possible without paying additional import and handling tariffs over and above the shipping costs?
Sarah, As we mention above Xentari has not yet been approved for use or sale in the UK. The correct certification for the UK is being sought but it is not a quick process. The product has been approved for some countries on the Continent. For more information about Topbuxus XenTari caterpillar treatment, click here.
Hi all of my bucks have Aphids. Can I mix Aphids killer, caterpillar killer and Top Buxus feed together and spray on the plant at the same time? Thanks
Sophie, Topbuxus products can be mixed together and sprayed on at the same time. However, we couldn’t say if it would be safe to mix with products from a different brand.
I used Xentari last year and Topbuxus grow to treat box caterpillar in my box hedge. It stopped the spread and the bare parts of the hedge showed signs of new growth. Unfortunately the caterpillars have returned. I have repeated the treatment but have seen there is a new treatment, Topbuxus Health Mix, should I use this as well and if so when.
Thank you for your help.
Carole
Carole, Topbuxus Healthmix will help the plants recuperate from the caterpillar damage and encourage strong new growth. I would recommend you apply Healthmix at the earliest opportunity, along with Topbuxus Grow, which is available to buy here.
Hi my tablets have all broken up – what is the weight of each one so I can calculate the amount needed for 5 litres. Better still give me it in teaspoons/tablespoons etc!
Grainne, Yes, I had this happen to my some of my ‘old’ Topbuxus Healthmix tablets last summer. Thankfully, I found them to be just as effective as normal. One tablet weighs 20 grams.
Hi there,
I love your products. I’ve been using for about four years and my boxwoods never looked better.
Question. Can you use your products on any other type of evergreen?
Kurt, Glad you are pleased with Topbuxus Healthmix! Your question is something we often get asked. Topbuxus Healthmix has been specifically produced for spraying on Box plants, so we can’t guarantee it will help other evergreens but I’m sure it would not do them any damage if you wanted to try it.
Hi there,
I’ve recently bought 4 x buxus plants and 2 are very yellow. Is this box blight? I sprayed your health mix 2 weeks ago and again yesterday. This morning I applied a handful of top buxus grow to each plant. Anything else I should do?
Steven, I think at some point the plants have probably suffered from a severe lack of water – and possibly also been recently trimmed on a hot day and the freshly exposed leaves have become scorched by the sun. In this weakened state the plant will be much more likely to contract fungal disease and I think I can see the early signs of Blight. Continue with the Topbuxus Healthmix and Grow as well as regular watering. A really good soak two or three times a week should be ok. Ensure you water at the base of the plant rather than through the foliage which would only improve conditions for the Blight to spread. In hot weather like this it is best to water/apply Topbuxus Healthmix in the evening or early morning.
Trust that helps.
Good luck!
HI Jack, Thats great and thanks for your help,
How often should I apply the health mix while the plant is in its current state? The product recommends a 2nd application 1 week after the 1st and then every 6 weeks thereafter, I’m assuming this rate of application is for a healthy plant to keep blight away, With mine already showing signs of blight should I apply more frequently?
Thanks
Steve
We have a couple of Box plants at home currently suffering from Box Blight – I’ve done the initial applications at one week apart and will probably do the next applications every four or five weeks until all sign of Blight has disappeared, we’ll then revert to the six week periods. I would recommend you do the same – along with plenty of watering.
Hi I sprayed my spiral tree with top buxus and it has scorched the plant .. what can I do to save it .. thanks
Fiona, Spraying your plants on a hot sunny day is very likely to cause scorching as each little droplet acts like a magnifying glass concentrating the sun’s rays and burning the leaf underneath – I expect this is what has happened as there is nothing in Topbuxus Healthmix that could cause scorching. If the damage you describe is indeed scorching then they should perk up again in due course. To avoid this problem again I would suggest you apply Topbuxus Healthmix on an overcast day or late in the evening.
Have hope, be patient!
My 28 year old box plants were devastated a few years ago by the Box Caterpillars. By chance I discovered TOPBUXUS products on the Internet and have not looked back since. Last year I managed to successfully control the caterpillars with XenTari and the Topbuxus Moth Trap, no probs. I trimmed the box lightly, sprayed the foliage and dead wood with Topbuxus Health-mix and feed them throughout the summer, but this year (May 21) I have given them a hard trim to hope to restore the density with this years growth.
Highly recommended products. I am very pleased with the results – Thank you
Very good. Thanks Clare!
This is music to my ears. My box plant was devastated by the caterpillar moth last year, I think it arrived the year before, but put it down to over trimming. My bush is almost 40 years old and is perfect hedging for hiding my bins behind, I really didn’t want to burn it as others suggested, so I’ll try the treatment and report back. Thank you
Hi, We planted 100 buxus plants (bare root 20cm) in about March.
Some are doing well but I have noticed some are looking a bit sorry for themselves. Losing leaves/Discoloured leaves etc. On closer inspection I noticed the webbing and a couple of caterpillars. I have now treated with the Top buxus caterpillar spray and taken off as many of the little caterpillar cocoon type homes they had built but I also notice that some leaves have black marks on. Is this box blight? I can’t see any fungus on the reverse or could the caterpillars have also caused this damage? Many thanks
Gemma, Your plants are definitely showing early signs of Box Blight. You should easily be able to save these but I would suggest you begin spraying with Topbuxus Healthmix as soon as possible.
Good luck!
Hello I think my box bush has box blight. It is very old (it was well established when we moved here 23 years ago). Over the years the trimmings had clogged it up. So during 2020 I removed the dead wood and trimmings. There was a lot of green mildewy dust (not good when I breathed it in). Last weekend I did one application (10 tablets) of topbuxux health mix. I noticed there were quite a few new green shots. I now need to order some more. Before I do so, can you confirm this is actually box blight and I’m doing the right thing?
Linda,
Thank you for getting in touch.
The good news is that your plants definitely do not have Box Blight. They have simply caught the frost but it looks like they are shooting strongly and should soon appear healthy again.
As a passing comment the plants are Ligustrum ovalifolium – not Buxus sempervirens..
Spraying Ligustrum with Healthmix would certainly not have caused any problems and may well have contributed to the fresh flush of growth coming through.
Thank you so much for the feedback.
The bushes started looking sick last spring and has gradually got worse, although after unclogging it from the cuttings and dead wood and letting the air through, it has started sprouting. Much of the wood is still covered with the green dusty dry mould, but even those have sprouts.
So you think it is not worth using more top buxus health mix?
Linda,
Topbuxus Healthmix has been specifically produced for spraying on Box plants, so we can’t guarantee it will help your Privet plants but if you feel there has been a marked improvement since the first application then it might be worth applying again
When should I use Topbuxus Health Mix and what is the ratio per litre of water? Is it too early to use it now?
Alo, There is no scoop in the box and I don’t want to make the wrong mix. Your advice will be much appreciated.
Many thanks, Anna
Anna,
Treat your Box plants with Topbuxus Healthmix 4 to 5 times a year throughout the growing season, beginning in March. One tablet is enough to make a 1ltr of spray – the tablets are individually wrapped and a scoop is not necessary. I wonder if you have a different product…? You will find more information at https://www.topbuxus.co.uk/product/buxus-health-mix/
Hi there, I purchased some GROW product and have sadly sprinkled the product on the hedges from the top. I have some small brown patches (looks like the leaves have died). One ball shaped box is really quite bad as much may have sat within the plant for a while. I realised my error and after a few days I shaked the product to the base thoroughly but it looks as if I did some damage. Will this grow new leaves in the summer?
Relatedly, if I have a larger amount sitting on the soil, could this overdose the plant? In one case I have a little pile of granules on the soil or is this fine?
Mark,
I think there is a very good chance that your plants will recover next summer. As to the small pile of granules on the soil – that is nothing to worry about.
Hi I’ve been using healthy mix and centaur together. I seem to use much more product and get nowhere near the 10m2 Out of it. I’d say one Litre of both covers 3/4 of my 50cm Buxus. Am I doing something wrong? Do I just need to spray the outside of the plant? I have been opening the plant in sections and spraying inside the plant too. Can you please advise me of the correct method. Many thanks.
Sophie, if you are spraying in the way we recommend… (Spray your Box plants all over, paying special attention to sick looking parts and if possible spray into the centre of the plant to ensure any Blight spores hiding within are dealt with) …then 1ltr of spray should be enough to cover 10M2 of hedge. Maybe you are spraying a little too heavily but I would recommend you use our quantity calculator to work out exactly how much you should be using for your plants. The Calculator can be found on the following link: https://www.topbuxus.co.uk/product/buxus-health-mix/
If you think your plants may have had an ‘overdose’ this is nothing to worry about.
Will the health mix kill the box caterpillar?
Karen, Topbuxus Healthmix does not kill Box Moth Caterpillars. For more information on Topbuxus Healthmix and how to use it please follow this link https://www.topbuxus.co.uk/product/buxus-health-mix/
If rain is expected within 24 hrs of spraying Topbuxus health mix is it best to hold off until a longer dry spell
Mary,
If you think you’ll have 4 or 5 hours of sunny weather before the rain then I’d suggest you carry on and apply the Topbuxus Healthmix. But if it is overcast and you don’t think the Topbuxus Healthmix will have time to dry before the rain comes, then hold off spraying until we get a more settled patch of weather.
Does this advice about rain also apply to Xen Tari. It rained 48 hours after use.
Yes
Is there any reason why I shouldn’t apply TopBuxus Grow as a spray? Thanks.
Andrew,
Topbuxus Grow is a granular slow release fertiliser and cannot be applied as a spray. A handful of granules around the base of each plant is sufficient. (Any attempt to apply Topbuxus Grow as a spray seriously risks burning the leaves.)
If you are looking for a spray-on foliar feed then choose Topbuxus Healthmix. https://www.topbuxus.co.uk/product/buxus-health-mix/ Otherwise you can buy Topbuxus Grow here.
Just trimmed my box hedge, can I apply health mix just after without damaging the cut leaves?
Yes – no probelm to apply Topbuxus Healthmix just after trimming.
Hi is it too late to put buxus grow on my buxus?? I am about to trim a small new bare root planted hedge and wondered if I should feed it too. It has had buxus health mix over it
Chantal,
It would be fine to apply Topbuxus Grow now. Click here to buy Topbuxus Grow.
Hi how much do I use for 1m of hedge?
A small handfull per plant would be sufficient.
I’m using your topbuxus spray – how long do pets and children need to be excluded from the garden?
Tammy,
I would advise you wait until the Topbuxus Healthmix has dried on the plants. The time this takes will obviously vary on the weather – on an overcast, cold day it may take 24 hours to dry off but on a warm breazy day like today you may find it is dry in an hour or two.
It is mid-April, and I am about to spray all my box hedging and container box with the Topbuxus Health-Mix as per your instructions. As it is their first feed of the season, would it be advisable to also use a top-dressing fertiliser on the soil at the base of the plants at the same time as the Topbuxus Health Mix foliar feed? Or will the box plants get enough food by just using the Health Mix?
Fiona,
For best results it would be advisable to use Topbuxus Grow (slow release granular fertilizer) along with Topbuxus Healthmix. Topbuxus Grow is available from our website – click here for more information.
Thank you very much for your prompt reply, Jack. I will go ahead and buy some Topbuxus Grow.
Should both Xentari and Health-Mix be used from now on i.e. mid April in UK as a preventive for both moth and blight?
Also when in the year should one stop using both?
I intend to use together in one sprayer, is that ok?
Iris, I can only advise in detail on Topbuxus Healthmix as Topbuxus Xentari has not yet been officially approved for sale in the UK so we are unable to supply at the moment. However, Xentari is available in quite a few Continental countries and I believe it can be purchased via Amazon in the UK. Topbuxus Healthmix can be used any time of year but it is most effective during the growing season from March to October. I can confirm that Topbuxus Healthmix and Topbuxus Xentari can be mixed together in one sprayer.
I have bought a tub of ToBuxus blue tablets which I think you have to dilute to spray over my plants. There are no instructions. What is the dilution rate, please?
Patricia,
One tablet of Topbuxus Healthmix makes 1 liter of spray. More information on how to use Topbuxus Healthmix can be found on this link https://www.topbuxus.co.uk/product/buxus-health-mix/ (Topbuxus Healthmix bought direct from our website always come with instructions.)
I understand your square footage mix rates, BUT, that doesn’t help many of us with regards to how many tablets per gallon/liter of water. Many of us use larger sprayers and need the mix ratio when say…mixing 50, 100 gal/liters of water and need to know the mix rate. Thank you in advance.
Rod,
1 tablet of Topbuxus Healthmix makes 1 liter of spray. So if you need to mix 50 liters – use 50 tablets.
Try this link for more info: https://www.topbuxus.co.uk/product/buxus-health-mix/
Does this product contain any insecticide?
Ann,
Topbuxus Healthmix is not an insecticide.
Can I use Topbuxus on my sarcococca (sweet box)? It seems a shame to waste the mixture left over from spraying 2 box balls!
Linda,
Thanks for your question – we are often asked this.
Topbuxus Healthmix has been specifically produced for treating Box plants, so we can’t guarantee it will help your Sarcococca but I doubt it will do them any damage if you wanted to try.
Hi, could you expand on the reasoning for the warning not to spray when the temp is above 25 degrees. Is the concern leaf scorch from the wet leaves or is it about jolting the plant into new growth when the plant is stressed in hot weather for example? Obviously we are suffering temps nearer 30 in this heat wave and I am wondering if it would be safe to spray late evening around 8-9pm out of direct sunlight when it might still be 27/28 degrees?
Stephen,
Thanks for your very relevant question! You have hit the nail on the head with your answers. Leaf scorch and forced growth at a stressful time is exactly why we recommend not to spray Topbuxus Healthmix in very hot temperatures. However, if your plants are actually suffering from Box Blight we would suggest you go ahead and spray them anyway – but as you say, late evening is the best time as it should be mostly dry by morning.
If you are simply spraying healthy plants as part of your regular maintenance and Blight prevention program then we would suggest you wait until the weather breaks before applying again.
Trust that helps a little.
Hello , Is it ok to use a mix of Top Buxus that was left over from last season or should I throw it away ?
Thanks Sue J .
Sue, If the Healthmix from last season is pre-mixed in liquid form I suggest you do dispose of it. But if it’s still in tablets in the wrappers it will be fine to use.
I have just purchased some Topbuxus Health-Mix but my hedges need trimming. Should I apply the mix before or after trimming?
Helen,
I would suggest you spray after trimming as this will help prevent any ingression of the disease through the freshly cut foliage. Good luck!
Topbuxus Healthmix ‘How to Use’ instructions. (Click image to view)
I am another buyer of TopBuxus from Amazon and would appreciate any instructions in addition to the icons on the container. Some yellow patches on my box, and uneven new growth on last year’s transplants.
Anne, Here’s a link to the information page on Topbuxus Healthmix where you can see how to use the product. Above is the ‘How To Use’ leaflet.
When is the best time of year to apply the treatment if Box Blight is suspected? Many thanks.
Viv, If Box Blight is suspected we would recommend Topbuxus Healthmix is applied at the earliest opportunity – whatever the time of year. During winter months visual improvement from using Topbuxus Healthmix will be minimal but you will still be dealing with the source of the problem giving the your plants the best chance of recovering fully in the spring.
I have just transplanted some 40cm box balls into containers using Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi granules around the roots to hopefully get them off to a good start. Do I have to wait before using Topbuxus Health Mix on the foliage?
Catriona, I’m pleased your’re using Rootgrow – we’ve had some excellent results with this ourselves. There would be no issues with using Topbuxus Health Mix straight away.
Topbuxus Xen Tari instructions in English. (Click image to view)
I too bought a tub of Topbuxus Xentari from Amazon and don’t have the instructions in English- I would be very grateful if you could send. Also when should it be used – presumably the caterpillars are not there all year round – any advice on life cycle and when it would be effective to use would be great
Many thanks Polly
Polly, we’ve now posted English Xen Tari instructions on Knowledge Base. See above. There are normally two or three generations of Box Tree Moth per season and the product is most effective when they are at the caterpillar stage. It is usually very clear if you have an infestation and once you have ascertained this, spray at the earliest opportunity. This data sheet is interesting if you would like more technical info. http://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/118433
Fantastic – thank you so much. This is so helpful
Glad to help! Good luck
I bought a tub of Topbuxus Xentari from Amazon. The instructions are in German. Any chance of some English instructions?
Alan, we do have them in English. I’ll email them through to you very shortly.
Thanks. Look forward to receiving them.
Anytime! They should be with you now.
Thanks; have received them and I’ll make a start when the garden dries out.
I, too, would love some English instructions, having just bought some Xentari.
No problem Simon! I have posted them on Knowledge Base – see above.
Hi Jack
I am attaching a few images of my buxus hedge. This discolouration is occurring at various points along the hedge. It was last treated with Topbuxus Health Mix about 6 weeks ago.
Not sure what the problem is and what I need to do.
Pic 2
Sue, I do not think your plants are suffering from Blight. However as you point out they are not in great condition and this does leave the door open for disease. There are several potential reasons for discolouration like this – probably the most common is lack of water. I have some box at home in a very dry spot and they look similar to your plants. We have also seen plants around the edge of patios mysteriously die or be continuously in poor condition and on investigation it has turned out that the owners were washing down the patio with detergent to the detriment of their plants. Poor quality soil would also cause these symptoms and I would suggest you apply some slow release fertilizer and continue to feed them with Topbuxus Health Mix at regular intervals of about 5 weeks throughout the growing season. I also notice some small white marks on the leaves which indicate the presence of Boxwood spider mites (Eurytetranychus buxi) – these would also impact on the general health of your plants and I would suggest you deal with these creatures. Here’s a link to further info on Boxwood Spider Mites and treatments for the problem.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/boxwood/boxwood-spider-mites.htm
A rather longwinded reply! But hopefully that helps a little.
Do get in touch if you have any further queries.
Many thanks for your advice Jack – will get to work on this.
Kind regards Sue
You’re welcome. Good Luck!
I am about to spray my box hedge with Bug Clear Ultra as I have an infestation of box caterpillar. Before this, I was thinking of using Health-Mix as I think I also have a case of blight. Can I use the sprays together? If so, which should I use first and how much time should I leave before spraying each? Thank you very much.
Frances, as far we’re aware there are no detrimental effects from spraying Topbuxus Healthmix along with other sprays. I would suggest you spray the caterpillars first then perhaps leave it a day or so before spraying with Topbuxus Healthmix otherwise if you spray too close together you may simply wash the previous spray away.
Thank you so much for your prompt reply and advice. I have just placed an order for Healthmix and will use it after hopefully getting rid of the caterpillar infestation.
No problem – thanks for the order! 😊
Do you supply Topbuxus Xentari?
Brian, Topbuxus Xentari has not yet been officially approved for sale in the UK so we are unable to supply at the moment. However, it is available in quite a few Continental countries and I believe it can be purchased via Amazon in the UK.
My small box hedge has become ‘dead’ looking with brown or no leaves at all. It is quite sticky to the touch and it had happened relatively quickly. Is it too late, or shall I dig it out??
Antoinette, I’m sorry to hear about your hedge!
Please could you send me some photos? info@topbuxus.co.uk (or post them here.) It sounds like Boxwood Moth damage to me but photos would help clarify this and I could then reply in more detail.
Thanks for emailing the photos. It looks very much like your plants have an infestation of Box Tree Moth (Cydalima Perspectalis).
The good news is that this problem does not usually kill the plants – the leaves will normally regrow. But you do need to treat the caterpillars with insecticide.
We do not currently have a product available in the UK to control Box Tree Moth but there are effective insecticides available that should easily control the issue.
Thank you for your help. Shall get some insecticide and see what happens.
Good Luck
Advice on rejuvenating large parterre hit by box blight. Can we use Topbuxus more often and should we cut down unaffected plants as well?
Sue, you will not cause any damage if you use Topbuxus Health Mix more often than recommended. Indeed, in the early stages of treatment the heavier the dose and more often you spray the more likely you are to kill all remaining fungal spores and save the plants.
Blight can in time actually kill the plants but often they will defoliate whilst the branches and twigs still have life in them. Unless the plants are actually dead I would not recommend you cut any of it down (affected or unaffected) as we have had reports from our customers of Box plants recovering from almost complete defoliation and it seems a shame to start again from scratch when the structure is already there.
I would underline that this product is not a guaranteed cure but user reviews do indicate remarkable results. Check them out here https://www.topbuxus.co.uk/reviews/
I ordered some Topbuxus Healthmix and a sprayer from you yesterday – so I will follow the instructions and cross my fingers. Out of interest, these were new box balls planted just last week. Should I go complain? Or is Box Blight just a fact of gardening life and something I risked when I ordered them? Thanks again for your help.
Antony, I feel confident your plants will soon be looking a lot better.
In fairness to your supplier the spread of Box Blight is very difficult to control and I don’t think many wholesalers now will offer any guarantee against the disease. It has become much more of an excepted part of gardening and is simply something we need to be prepared for, much like we expect to treat Roses for ‘Black Spot’. Prevention is key – we believe healthy plants will not be as likely to contract the disease.
Thanks so much for all this. One final question – my last I promise! I have before me my new sprayer filled with Topbuxus Healthmix. I also have a sprayer containing Bayer’s Fungicide Plus. I go on holiday for a week tomorrow, leaving 3 am.
Which do I spray onto my precious new box balls for this first treatment? i.e. which is more urgently required to combat the early signs of box blight? Or, conceivably, can I spray on both?
I really do promise not to pester you again (at least not for a long time) after this.
Thank you so much for your wise counsel.
You are welcome anytime! I don’t personally have experience with Bayer’s Fungicide Plus. Topbuxus Health mix should be applied at the earliest possible opportunity once your plants have symptoms of the disease.
As far as we are aware Topbuxus Health Mix can be used along with any other spray. However, if the Bayer product is also a spray I would leave it a few hours to dry before applying or the Health Mix be washed off.
Hope that helps.
Have a great holiday!
Thanks so much for your help. Will keep you posted.
Hi, I live in France but I don’t think that will make any difference and I would prefer the answer in English!! I don’t have blight (yet!) but we do have the caterpillar (lots). I have successfully treated the caterpillars which hatched after overwintering with bacillus thuringiensis. The male moths appeared in my pheromone traps about a month ago and I have been ‘on the lookout’ for the next lot of caterpillars ever since. I have just been doing a routine spray with Topbuxus and found the first tiny caterpillars. Do I need to wait for any specific length of time before I spray with BT after spraying with your product?
Liz, as far as we are aware Topbuxus Healthmix can be safely sprayed on the plants along with any other insecticide or spray. However, spraying very soon after you’ve just applied Topbuxus Healthmix may tend wash of some of the Healthmix – but I would suggest that your top priority right now is to deal with the young caterpillars so I wouldn’t let that hold you up.
I trust this answers your query but if I’ve missed your point or you have further questions, please do let us know.
You haven’t missed the point at all! If only someone would develop a systemic solution fit for amateurs! It’s terrible round here and tragic as many of the deciduous woodland has a lot of wild box.
I should have said too that the Topbuxus Healthmix is great, thank you.
Good – glad to help.
Please help me. Unfortunately, the blight has started! It is quite terrifying how quickly this has happened! There are already the bare bits. I have given it two sprays, and do far not much improvement! About 2 weeks have now passed. Dare I spray again or do I just sit tight till I see a little growth? I would so welcome your advice. You are a wonderful firm. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you, Mary
I’m sorry your plants have got the dreaded Blight – it’s horrible how quickly it appears and spreads! The warm, damp weather we’ve had are perfect breeding conditions for Blight.
I think you will start to see results quite soon. However, your plants may continue to look worse before they get better as any leaves that are infected are likely to shrivel and drop off – so you will need to wait for the new growth to kick in before you see a real difference.
Hope that helps a little but do let me know if you have any further questions.
Please help. Is this Blight?
Jennifer, I am convinced that your plants are not suffering from Box Blight. The partly eaten leaves indicate damage from the Box Tree Caterpillar (Cydalima perspectalis) – most likely this happened during last summer and possibly this spring as well. Topbuxus Healthmix does not deal with this problem unfortunately but I believe that there are effective treatments available.
However, there does seem to be some healthy looking re-growth appearing on your plants.
Hope that helps a little…
Thank you, Jack. This helps a lot just being able to identify what the problem is. Many thanks for your advice.
Anytime! Good luck.
Is the product you are selling this year the same as the one you were selling before. I thought your last product was call Top Buxus?
Sarah, Topbuxus is the ‘umbrella’ brand name for quite a few products – but Topbuxus ‘Health Mix’ is the one that helps prevent Box Blight. Our UK website is set up specifically to sell just Topbuxus Healthmix at the moment.
Thanks so much for the swift response. Will order now!
😊
3 plants in pots… 1 ball shaped, 2 triangle. Had them since small now fairly large.
Some leaves looked a bit brown in April so re-potted and trimmed brown leaves out.
Started to green-up. Saw your product on Amazon. Not much advice after preparation for the novice. I am a non-professional gardener. I was unsure, does solution have to be used straightaway or does it keep… if yes for how long. Used spray up in one go. Now trees look very coppery brown over the surface. Have I done harm by using too much spray?
I would welcome any advice, especially if you think I’ve damaged them by over spraying and also if the solution is reusable? Finally any advice for my next move… do you think they will green up again Thank you
Deborah, I’m sorry your plants are looking sick. It sounds like you’ve done the right thing to re-pot them (hopefully with fresh new compost) as this would normally give the plants quite a boost. You won’t damage them by an overdose of Healthmix but I’m surprised that they are not showing healthy signs yet.
The mixture could be kept for a while but if it becomes lumpy or solidifies in any way I suggest you dispose of it as it will likely block your sprayer.
If you could possibly send photos that would help us to identify the problem.
Thanks for emailing the photos through. Your plants do certainly have the appearance of blight in varying stages but I would say some of the containers look a little small for the size plants you have. Now this may not have a direct link to your blight problems but if a plant is weak through lack of nutrients they will be much more susceptible to disease.
However, if you feel your plants do have sufficient space in their new pots and you have used quality compost I expect you to be getting results from the Topbuxus Health Mix quite soon.
Good luck – and do let me know if you have any more queries.
Do you ship to the USA?
Not yet. But we’re on the case and soon hope to have distributers in the USA!
Thanks for your help!
Our 4 box plants affected with Box Blight were moved earlier this year and up until about 4 weeks ago were showing fresh growth. I have treated with health mix this week and will treat again next week.
I was wondering whether I should cut them back and then treat or leave as is.
The other box in the garden looks healthy and I have also treated this.
Thank you for your help.
Jayne, I suggest you treat first and then cut back a week/ten days later. If you spray before cutting back there is more surface area available for the spray to settle on and it is therefore more likely to produce good results.
You’ve done the right thing in spraying the other healthy box in your garden – Topbuxus Healthmix is also a preventative as well as dealing with the actual problem.
Hi there, I am a professional gardener my clients gardens range from an acre upwards most with box . One particular clients box was in a really sad state, after 3 applications of the health mix well with are both amazed. Thank you for this amazing transformation.
Awesome! That’s great to hear 😊
I work as a Head Gardener at a large estate. We have used Topbuxus previously but have been asked to go 100% organic. Is Topbuxus an organic fertilizer? It is hard to ascertain from the website.
Tim, Topbuxus Healthmix is not certified organic but it is a based on natural material – Copper being the active ingredient.
I trust that helps but do message me if you have any other queries.
We have 3 small box balls in terracotta pots that are currently perfectly healthy but we intend to use Buxus health mix as a preventative treatment against potential blight. Due to the small quantity of mix that will be used, can the tablets cut into half or quarters? Alternatively can the mix be kept for further spraying? Many thanks.
Ken, I see no harm in dividing a tablet but you may find it crumbles a bit. The main thing will be to keep the remainder in a completely water-tight container because the granules will react as soon as it comes into contact with any moisture.
Or it it’s easier it would be fine to keep the remaining mixture for a couple of weeks – although I guess it will need stirring or shaking when you come to use it again.
If the mixture becomes ‘lumpy’ or solidifies in any way over time I would advise you throw it away as it is likely to block your sprayer nozzle.
Many thanks for this useful information. Now waiting for the right weather conditions before applying!
I have recently received from you a box of Buxus Health Mix. I note that the solution should not be applied if the temperature is over 25 degrees Celsius. However, I assume that it is alright to spray in bright sunshine given that the temperature is not too high. Please would you kindly confirm? Thanking you.
Anne, Yes it is fine to spray in bright sunshine – just avoid applying if the temperature approaches 25 degrees.
Thank you for your reply which is helpful.
No problem at all – glad to help.
I have successfully used Topbuxus on my box hedges and am very pleased with it. I am wondering if it is safe to use on a Pyracantha that is losing leaves and I am sure has some fungal disease and is generally struggling? I think it would also benefit from spraying with your folia treatment. I have tried root liquid feeds and fungus fighter but they don’t seem to have made much improvement which is why I would like try Topbuxus Healthmix. Thank you
Ros, Glad you’re pleased with Topbuxus! Topbuxus Healthmix has been specifically produced for Box so we don’t recommend it for other uses. However I am sure there will be no harm done should you wish to use it on your Pyracantha. Good luck 😊
Do I apply Topbuxus Healthmix to the leaves or around the base of the plant?
Apply to the leaves.
Can I plant new Box Plants in the same ground which has previously contained plants affected with Box Blight?
Brian, You could plant replacements in the same area but there would be a risk of them picking up the infection from fungal spores left in the ground or on old dead leaves.
The risk would be significantly reduced by drenching the area with Topbuxus Healthmix before you install the new plants. It would also be further reduced by including Topbuxus Healthmix in your regular maintenance programme as a preventive measure. Check our page on Box Blight for more preventative tips.
Jack – Is this blight? Please advise.
Penny, I’m afraid the condition of your Box hedge does indicate Blight in the middle/late stages. However I believe it is not too late and could be effectively dealt with and stopped from spreading. Click on the link below if you are not sure how much Topbuxus Healthmix you’re going to need.
Thanks very much for your prompt and very efficient reply Jack. The hedging is part of a fairly extensive topiary garden – about 100 metres in total. Approx 50% is affected. I’m keen to purchase the Health Mix and try it out but wonder whether you do it in more economical sized containers?
Glad to help Penny. 100 tablet tubs is the largest size we offer at the moment.
I’m in the process of planting my Buxus hedge – I need to know when do I start using the Topbuxus tablets you sell for the hedge after I have planted it?
Hardi, Spraying once every 6 weeks throughout the rest of the growing season (March-Oct) is normally enough to keep your plants healthy and Blight free.
As well as a preventing Blight, Healthmix is also a growth stimulant and will give them a good start in life.
After I have mixed my tablet with 1L of water and I do not use it all, can I leave the remaining mixture in a closed container for later use?
Richard, you should be fine to keep the remaining mixture for a couple of weeks – although I guess it will need stirring or shaking when you come to use it again.
If the mixture becomes ‘lumpy’ or solidifies in any way over time I would advise you throw it away as it is likely to block your sprayer nozzle.
Thanks Jack
No problem 😊
I have been using Bayer fungus fighter concentrate as a preventative against blight for the last 2 years, spraying 5 times a year. I have just bought Topbuxus Healthmix. Can I use both products on my box.
Shirley, Topbuxus Healthmix should not be tank mixed with other sprays but it is unlikely that there would be any detrimental effect if other chemicals were sprayed on plants treated with Topbuxus as long as there was an interval of several days between sprays.
Hi…please can you help me with my poor box spirals. They are approx 2′ wide x 4′ high, very fat and dense and growing in large pots.
Last summer one started a brown patch on one side half way up, about 6″ round, lost those leaves and I thought it had been scorched in the sun.
Since then the patch has extended down the outside of the plant and is now about 2’6″ long. The outside leaves brown and fall off, the stems stay green and some small new leaves try to form. The leaves further in stay green and the affected stems stick out about 4″ with the odd new leaf attached.
These plants were beautiful and very dense so I am anxious to try to stop this condition getting worse.
Many thanks in advance and hoping you can help me solve this.
Larraine, I’m sorry to hear about your Box Spirals – if you could send me some photos info@topbuxus.co.uk (or post them here) and we’ll do our best to identify the problem for you.
Hi, Forgive my ignorance.
We have 4 box balls in a rather dry soil. I was going to dig in some manure and some slow release fertiliser round the base this spring. If I use Topbuxus should I still apply the slow release fertiliser?
Lisa, I suggest you do use the slow release fertiliser and manure as well as the Topbuxus. Topbuxus is a folia feed (nutrients are absorbed through the leaves) and the fertiliser and manure will stimulate the plant through its roots so you are feeding your plants in two separate ways. You should see some good results!
Just a brief word or warning – do be careful how deep you dig the fertiliser and manure in as you don’t want to damage the roots. If it’s a dry spot they’ll need all the roots they can get their hands on! I’d recommend you dig this in as soon as possible before the plants actually start growing too much.
Hope that helps a little.
Thank you very much, Jack. That is really helpful.
Do you think this is Blight?
Peter, I’ve studied the photo you’ve sent through and I’m convinced that your plants are not suffering from Box Blight. The partly eaten leaves indicate damage from the Box Tree Caterpillar (Cydalima perspectalis) – most likely this happened during last summer. Topbuxus Healthmix does not deal with this problem unfortunately but I believe that there are effective treatments available.
Encouragingly though, there does seem to be some healthy looking re-growth appearing on your plants.
I trust this helps but do let me know if you have any further queries.
Many thanks for your advice. If in the future we are unlucky enough to encounter Box Blight, we know where to come for treatment now, anyway. Cheers.
No problem Peter – glad to help.
Do you post to Ireland?
Yes
Hi your product is superb and working wonders with all my box plants. Had full recovery with one suffering with blight. I am a Head gardener on a large estate and have a large collection of box and topiary.
Can I mix Horticulture soap with your product? And can I spray this month (March) if the weather is mild?
Thanks again for this wonderful product. I can’t endorse it enough!
Bernard, thanks very much for your endorsement! I’m glad to know it is working so well for you.
In answer to your question: Topbuxus Healthmix should not be tank mixed with other sprays but it is unlikely that there would be any detrimental effect if other chemicals were sprayed on plants treated with Topbuxus as long as there was an interval of several days between applications.
I have been using Topbuxus for several years with great results and now I am considering using this treatment on new garden box topiary. Could you please tell me if Topbuxus Healthmix is organic or not as it is not clear from the description. Thanks.
Stephen, Glad to hear about your great results! Topbuxus Healthmix is not certified organic but it is a based on natural material – Copper being the active ingredient.
Do you offer your product for sale to retail customers at all, or are you sole suppliers of Topbuxus? I would be interested to use your product (we grow and trade and plant Buxus) and sell Topbuxus to our customers. Do you offer this, or would you consider offering this?
Michael, We are indeed set up to supply distributers and work with garden centres and other re-sellers across the UK. I will be in touch via email with distributer prices and more information.
Thank you for swift reply, I would just like to ask you one more question and that is if Topbuxus Healthmix is affected by the use of chemical sprays…?
Topbuxus Healthmix should not be tank mixed with other a sprays but it is unlikely that there would be any detrimental effect if other chemicals were sprayed on plants treated with Topbuxus as long as there was an interval of several days between applications.
Please could you tell me whether the Buxus Health Mix can be used on other evergreen shrubs as a feed. for example Yew? Also can your fertilizer be used for both?
Jane, Both Topbuxus Healthmix and the Fertilizer have been specifically developed for Buxus.
We have heard by report that our Topbuxus products work on other evergreens but it is not something we promote. This is not because we believe there would be any risk involved but as a company we have to keep focused on what our products real purpose is.
Jack, thanks for the information. I will order enough for my box only.
No problem 😊
Can this product be applied in November to treat Buxus blight or should I wait until the growing season in March?
See below 😊
Is there any point in using your Buxus health mix now in November. Especially where the plants have been attacked by Box tree caterpillar?
Guy, Topbuxus will still attack Blight now if you use it on an existing infection – although the re-growth benefits may not be realised until spring.
Topbuxus does not deal with the Caterpillar problem but it will encourage re-growth from plants that have suffered from caterpillar damage.
Please advise on application method?
Fergus, 1 tablet makes 1Ltr of spray. You simply drop the tablet/s into the water and it will instantly begin to dissolve. Wait 10 minutes or so before applying the spray with a knapsack or hand sprayer. Give liquid a final stir before spraying.
Each tablet is enough for 10m2 of hedge. Give the plants a liberal coating all over and if possible try to get inside the plants as well as often this is where the disease begins.
Hope this helps but for more information click https://www.topbuxus.co.uk/product/buxus-health-mix/#use or message me back if you have any further questions.
Hi Jack, I will order from your website later today but will the blight be passed onto my other 8 box balls? I am considering removing the infected plant and spraying the others, which at the moment are quite healthy, with your product.
Pat, it is likely that your other Box plants are already ‘incubating’ Blight spores, even though they appear healthy. From the photos you sent me earlier I’m confident that you have a good chance of saving all the plants (including the infected one) if you spray them soon.
My Box hedges are now badly affected in places. Should I start treatment now or wait till the growing season next year?
Mike, I would suggest you start treatment as soon as possible. The disease will continue to infect the plant whether it is growing or not. If you can knock the disease out before next growing season the plant will have a much better chance of survival.
Box Blight?
Julie, your Box Plant does have the appearance of Blight in the early/middle stages. Although this may be worrying Box Blight caught at this point can still often be effectively dealt with. Our QUANTITY CALCULATOR https://www.topbuxus.co.uk/product/buxus-health-mix/ will help if you are not sure how much Topbuxus Healthmix you might need.
That’s great thanks so much, I was advised to remove the plants, so do you think they will still have a chance if I treat them?
If your plant is still in the same condition as it was in the photo I think you have a very good chance of saving it. 😊
Brilliant thank you!
Good luck!
PRESS ENQUIRY
Please advise who I should contact for an image of Topbuxus – we want to show it in an article to appear in Amateur Gardening magazine. Thanks.
Great! Thanks Wendy – I can be contacted Monday to Friday on 01793 68 44 09
What is the toxicity of Topbuxus Healthmix? Is it safe to use by someone untrained in pesticide use?
Tom, Topbuxus Healthmix is very simple to use and each tub ordered from http://www.topbuxus.co.uk will come with an instruction leaflet. Topbuxus Healthmix meets EC Fertilizer criteria (it is not classified as a pesticide) and for your information I will email you the Safety Data sheet which points up any areas of concern.
Hi there do I need to clip off all the bare stems before spraying the hedge with health mix?
Sue, I would suggest that you don’t clip off any of the bare branches before spraying. Give time for Topbuxus to start working and you may find some of the bare branches start to re-shoot – it all depends on how far into the plant’s system the Blight has penetrated. Once the plants are showing clear signs of re-growth it will be easy to pick out which bits are actually dead and you can then cut them out.
Jack, thank you so much for your reply. I am so pleased I discovered your website, fingers crossed I can save my beautiful knot garden!
No problem at all – glad to help 😊
One more question! The box has dead leaves dropped like confetti everywhere….I am guessing I need to remove them all……from the gravel…..is there an easy way to do this apart from picking them up by hand?
If it’s a dry day maybe you could use a vacuum hoover? Otherwise just make sure you spray all the dead leave on the ground as well so that any spores they are hosting are dealt with.
Is this box blight?
Lesley, your Box plants do have the appearance of Box Blight in the middle / late stages. The link below will take you to the quantity calculator which will help you work out how much Topbuxus Healthmix you need.
Box Blight?
Brian, although your Box ball has some orange leaves I don’t think it is suffering from Blight. The orange leaves are more likely to be die-back from when it was last trimmed. However, the warm, damp conditions at the moment are very conducive to Blight so do keep a sharp watch on your Box plants as it can break out at short notice.
Topbuxus Health Mix is also a preventative to Blight and will help to revive sickly looking plants.
Is there a customer services number I could call as I have several questions.
01793 68 44 09
Please let me have your telephone number so I can pass it on to someone who’s interested in your products but is not online.
01793 68 44 09 – 8:00am to 4:45 Monday to Friday 😊
I treated my box hedging with Topbuxus Healthmix yesterday as they are showing signs of blight. I had thought it was going to be dry for the next few days but unfortunately it rained heavily last night. My questions is – how long should I leave it before I treat again to avoid damage to the plant? Is it possible to spray again today as we are expecting dry weather for a few days. Thank you
Keren, an ‘overdose’ of Topbuxus Healthmix will not damage your plants so by all means spray them again as the rain is very likely to have washed most of it off.
Hi, I have just purchased some of your product from Amazon and used for the first time. I have a lot of box hedges and about half appear to have blight, I have treated them all. I would like to know if I should rake or cut out the brown leaves or does this risk spreading the infection to the healthy plants. Thanks
Tracey, there are varying opinions as to your question. From our experience, we would suggest you leave the infected leaves where they are but to ensure that they have been carefully sprayed.
Many thanks for your email, I have ordered some of the tablets. Will this work as a fungicide to get rid of the blight?
Neil, Topbuxus has been designed to protect Buxus against Blight and our customers have found it very effective, even bringing plants back that have virtually defoliated. The link below will take you to customer reviews.
Just received my order – many thanks. I believe we have a slight case of blight but just had a couple questions. Would it be best for me to clip the Buxus and remove as much as possible of the affected leaves or should I leave them and then spray so that the affected areas gets more coverage?
Many thanks and looks forward to hearing from you.
Mike, Unless the disease is very advanced and you are sure the actual stems of the plant are dead I would suggest that you do not clip out the infected areas. It would be more advantageous to treat the plant and wait until you have visible signs of regrowth (sometimes they will re-foliate from completely bare branches) then you can clip out the sections that are obviously dead allowing new shoots to fill in the gaps.
Can I use this product on Hollies that have dropped a fair few leaves?
Graham, As Topbuxus Healthmix is a foliar feed I feel it is almost bound to help the plant to a certain extent. However, we haven’t used it on Hollies ourselves so we can’t advise from experience.
If there is a lot of leaf loss it sounds like it may be a matter of too much or not enough water, that is generally what causes defoliation.