This phenomenon is also closely related to cultural problems associated with boxwoods, such as improper pH and nutritional status, drought, poor drainage, and improper mulch management. Volutella can cause a dieback on all types of boxwood. Macrophoma can cause leaf blight, but it usually acts as a weak pathogen. Paecilomyces buxi has been consistently associated with roots of English boxwood exhibiting the syndrome of boxwood decline.
Symptoms consist of weak and spindly plants.
Dead or dying branches occur randomly in the bush. The older leaves drop prematurely and the remaining foliage develops a yellow color. Leaves often have pink eruptions of spores on black fruiting bodies. Dead areas or cankers develop along branches or near the crown. Samples for root disease should be submitted to the Clemson University Plant Problem Clinic for analysis.