Box blight and box tree caterpillar are notorious for the damage they do to box plants. As a result, many people now seek stronger, more disease-resistant plants. In this article, we highlight our favourite alternatives for low hedging:

What is Box Blight and Box Tree Caterpillar?

Box blight is a fungal disease that damages leaves and stems. Box tree caterpillar is a pest that feeds on the plant. Both can disfigure Box and even kill it. You can try to manage them, but it’s always best to dig out the plant and replace it.

Symptoms and Treatment

Box Blight. Look for dark spots on leaves that turn brown and drop off to create bare patches. Prune affected areas and clear fallen leaves. This improves air circulation and may help recovery.

Box Tree Caterpillar. Watch for eaten leaves, webbing, or complete defoliation. Remove damaged leaves and hand-pick caterpillars. Insecticides can help. Avoid splashing water on leaves as fungal spores can spread, always water at the base of the plant.

Disinfect pruning tools during and after use. Feed and prune regularly to keep plants strong. Healthy plants are less susceptible to disease.

Alternatives

As many gardeners are now looking for strong alternatives to Box, the nursery trade has responded with a range of excellent options that match Box in form, structure, and versatility.

1. Ilex crenata (Japanese holly)

Almost identical in appearance to box and resistant to box blight or moth caterpillar, Japanese holly is an excellent alternative. It’s a strong choice for low hedging, and works well along paths or garden borders. Its dense growth also makes it ideal for topiary or clipped features, as it holds it shape with minimal pruning.

2. Berberis

Berberis thunbergii, also from Japan, is another reliable option. It is a compact shrub that makes a striking low hedge, especially in exposed spots. It features bright orange flowers in spring and red berries in autumn, great for adding seasonal interest.

3. Herbs (Lavender and Rosemary)

English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) brings fragrance and pollinator appeal. It thrives in sunny spots and needs light pruning to stay neat. Bees and butterflies love it.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) works well too. This evergreen herb adds structure and aroma, with soft blue flowers appearing early in spring. It suits both kitchen gardens and ornamental borders.

4. Choisya

Choisya ternata, or Mexican orange blossom, is often overlooked for low hedgings. Its glossy evergreen leaves and starry white flowers give year-round appeal with minimal fuss.

5. Ceanothus

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus repens (California lilac) is a low-maintenance option. This spreading shrub needs little pruning and produces clouds of blue flowers in spring and early summer. It is ideal for informal hedges.

6. Ligustrum

Ligustrum delavayanum is a compact evergreen shrub with dark green, ovate leaves. Tolerant of regular clipping is a great alternative to box and ideal for quickly forming a dense, tidy evergreen hedge.

7. Viburnum

Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ is an underused gem with glossy foliage and charming pink-tinged white flowers through winter into early spring. It’s perfect for formal or informal low hedging, and it never fails to impress.

Read More:

1. Visit Our Nursery to Pick your Own Trees!
2. Top 10 Screening Trees
3. How to create an Instant Hedge?
4. Planting Trees in Summer: Can you do it?