[colin79ie]

Hi,

I have 2 box bushes in pots at the front of my house. One of them has one side looking a bit poorly.

I have fed them and have added a new layer of compost on top and am wondering if there is anything else I can do to help it out a bit and bring it back to health.

[banner]

was it damaged by frost. What did you feed it with and what compost did you use? maybe add fertiliser if it was not in the feed?

[michael brenock]

The box had either some other plant growing too close to it or was too near a wall It may have been damaged by chemical. Applying fertiliser would not do that type of damage unless it was applied directly onto the plant in wet weather.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

[gardenman]

Assuming you dog/cat hasn't found himself a new marking post, this will be Buxus blight (Cylindrocladium buxicola)
This diseasse has shown up a lot over the past few years and in particular with Buxus coming from Holland (most do unfortunately!!)
Starts as stem die back on one side, centre or whole plant. Leaves will turn brown with some black spotting and then fall off. Black lesions can often be seen on the stems.
Hasn't fully killed any plant I've observed yet, however what good is a topiary ball when its only half a ball!

Prune away and burn affected branches. Dispose of any fallen leaves to stop spores spreading.
Most susceptible to infection after pruning, so treatments of a general fungicide then and in the spring will help.
The good news is it only affects Buxus, so the rest of yourt plants are safe - the bad news, the bugger is everywhere in a wet spring.

Hope this helps.