Box blight is a disease of box leaves and stems caused by two closely related fungi, Calonectria pseudonaviculata and Calonectria henricotiae (syn. Cylindrocladium buxicola). The two species of Calonectria differ in their sensitivity to some fungicides (triazoles).

How is box blight spread?

Q How does box blight spread? A The infection is probably spread from plant to plant by splashing water, either from rain or watering. The spores are sticky, so could also be carried by birds and animals or by gardeners on tools or clothing.

Does box recover from box blight?

Box blight doesn’t kill the roots of box plants so in theory they can recover if cut back. Fortunately, box responds well to clipping (which is why it is such a good hedge and topiary plant) and will also respond to box blight by producing new shoots.