Are you wondering why your boxwoods are looking brown and damaged after the winter even though they have done well for several years? Do not fret, you are not alone! Extreme Chicago winters when the weather gets around -50 with wind chill hurts unprotected boxwoods. Boxwoods are hardy for our zone 5 Chicagoland suburbs, but when we have such brutally cold days it takes a toll.
What to do to help your boxwoods recover?
If the plant still has some green, you might be in luck! We recommend you prune the winter damaged areas of brown and add some acidifying fertilizer like Holly-tone. Please read the instructions on the bag to get the best idea for the application or come in and talk to one of our Garden pharmacy specialists.
When will I see new growth?
We recommend to wait a few weeks. If new growth starts to form, the plant will probably recover! Remember, boxwoods are slow growers so it might take some time for your boxwood hedge to recover from the winter damage.
Platt Hill Nursery is Chicago’s premier garden center and nursery.
Additional lInformation:
Protecting your Boxwoods from the Cold
