Physiological Problems

White or Orange Tips

This is usually a sign of stress, specifically potassium deficiency and can be caused by a lack of nutrients or water. It can often be found when a plant is trying to establish itself in a new site after having been lifted or a sign that it may need repotting.

Treatment:
Feeding with Vitax Q4HN in March and again in June will green up the leaf colour.

Drought
Box plants can wilt if they have a lack of water. Any new foliage will often turn blue and any older foliage can turn a yellowy/orange colour. In a severe drought, new growth will go papery white but usually stay attached to the plant. Roots will die if allowed to dry out, therefore all newly planted plants may need extra watering in the first spring. Drought can often occur to plants growing in pots where the watering is one sided.
Treatment:
Watering must be more frequent. Plants should be not be allowed to dry out and placing a saucer under any potted plant in the Summer can help. Care should be taken to ensure that water is distributed evenly to the plant in future.

Waterlogging
Box hates waterlogged roots as they will quickly rot and cause the plant to die. Foliage can often turn a yellow/brown colour with sudden leaf fall.

Treatment:
Drain immediately if possible and try to incorporate some kind of drainage system if this looks to be a regular problem.

Bronzing of foliage (see drought above)
Usually caused by lack of potash due directly to the dryness of the root, as potash is only available in soluble form.
Treatment:
Feed with a balanced fertiliser and ensure the plant is watered regularly.