Common Box Hedge Problems

There are some common Box Hedging problems that need to be addressed if Box is subjected to them, and if they cannot be treated, alternative hedging may be advisable.

Box Blight

Box blight is caused by a fungus and causes discolouration of the leaves which will eventually fall off and the stems will die back. There are many measures which can limit the chances of this happening. Read more on how to deal with Box blight.

Box Tree Caterpillar

Box tree caterpillar is a pest that will soon damage Box plants by eating their way through the foliage. They are more widespread nowadays than in previous years and there are many practical ways to deal with Box tree caterpillars.

Dry Weather

Dry gardens or too much intense sun without enough water will cause Box hedges to suffer, so if you don’t have time to keep up with watering in dry weather or have a particularly dry garden, you may need to revive your Box hedging, which is possible with tips in our knowledge base. 

What is a Good Alternative to Box Hedging?

When considering a replacement for Box hedging, there are several hedge species to choose from for their various benefits to suit your garden.

Berberis is a versatile shrub and an excellent alternative to Box hedges. With dense, spiny growth, it makes for an effective privacy shrub. Berberis has vibrant foliage in a range of colours from yellow, and red to darker purple and produces small, attractive flowers and berries.

Blackthorn is well known for its toughness and is a native shrub, forming dense, thorny hedges. It produces white flowers in spring, followed by dark purple sloes in autumn. Blackthorn is an ideal choice for wildlife-friendly hedges.

Gorse is a spiny shrub that thrives in poor soils and coastal areas. With bright yellow flowers, it is an attractive and hardy hedge alternative. This is a hedge that will keep trespassers out but you’ll need some good gloves to manage it, due to its very prickly growth.

Holly is a popular choice for hedging, with glossy, evergreen leaves and red berries. It creates a dense hedge which provides privacy and wildlife benefits.

Native Hedges such as Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Hornbeam and Dog Rose will provide a wildlife-friendly hedge and are ideal for low-maintenance, sustainable hedging. Native hedges also support local biodiversity.

Quickthorn (Hawthorn) is a fast-growing, deciduous shrub often used in hedging around the countryside. With fragrant white flowers in spring and red haws in autumn, it has dense growth, makes an effective barrier and is great for wildlife.

Dog Rose is a vigorous, thorny climber that can form an informal hedge. It produces fragrant flowers in summer, followed by bright red hips in autumn. Dog Rose is perfect for adding a soft, natural look to hedges while providing wildlife habitat.

Rosa Rugosa is a hardy, deciduous shrub known for its fragrant, vibrant flowers and large, colourful hips. Its dense, thorny growth makes it an excellent alternative to Buxus, and it thrives in coastal and poor soil conditions, offering an attractive, wildlife-friendly hedge option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Box Hedge Alternatives

When choosing an alternative to Box hedging, keep in mind these considerations to ensure the plants survive.

Soil type and drainage are important to understand because different hedging species require different soil conditions to thrive. Hornbeam for example thrives in moist soil whereas Holly is quite drought tolerant. Get to know your soil before choosing your plants. 

Knowing the measurements of your space is crucial to help you choose the right hedging plants for your garden. Hedging such as Laurel will grow fast and need more space than Box. Read the description when purchasing the plants so you know you have sufficient space to plant and avoid overcrowding. 

Think about the time of year you will be planting. Most hedging is ideally planted in autumn and spring but bare root plants should be planted November to April. Other options include rootball and potted plants along with instant hedging which can be planted at any time of year as long as the ground isn’t waterlogged or frozen. 

Regular pruning will be needed to keep your hedging plants in shape and most alternatives are low maintenance but some such as Berberis will have sharp spines. Be sure you can access it easily and have the equipment needed to prune the plants you choose and always follow pruning advice for each species, which may all vary.

Benefits of Alternatives to Box Hedging

Choosing a Box hedge alternative can be advantageous, especially with some of the challenges Box faces.

Pest and disease resistance is a benefit because Box blight and Box tree caterpillar don’t affect other species such as Hornbeam or Yew, which are both less susceptible to problems.

There are other hedging plants that will grow faster than Box such as Privet and Laurel which means the hedge will grow and mature in a shorter time frame. 

Resilience is a factor to consider when choosing hedging plants. Native hedging for example will be much more resilient and adaptable than many others and able to grow in various soil types and changing weather. In the long run, these may be a better choice depending on your garden soil and aspect.

Need help choosing an alternative?

If you are unsure which hedging plants to choose from, our team is here to help. If you need advice we can guide you to the ideal alternative to Box hedging. Feel free to contact us for personalised advice, or visit our website knowledge base to learn more about hedge species and planting tips. Contact us on 01580 765600 or use the contact form. We’re happy to help you make the best decision for your garden.