By Markree
Surrey,
United Kingdom 
Many of the conifer hedges in this area are showing signs of dying and it is thought that the Cyprus aphid is responsible. My son thought my box shrubs might be affected too as they areturning yellow. However I am now told that they do produce yellow flowers - is that so. I know they are also prone to box blight. Please advise treatment for the blight and also recommend a fertiliser for box shrubs.
5 Jun, 2011
Answers
I think true Box (Buxus sempervirens) doesn't flower. There is a similar plant called Lonicera nitida which can be mistaken for box (I had them confused for years) and this shrubby, small leaved Lonicera has tiny yellow strongly scented flowers.
I don't think that the yellow leaves are anything to do with flowering. Drought and the winds we have had recently could be contributing to the problem. A jolly good soaking with a hose left on trickle for some hours wouldn't go amiss.
If you want to look for cypress aphid you need to examine several inches into the bush or tree, as the insects don't hang about on the surface where they would be easily seen.
5 Jun, 2011
Are the Cypruss and Box watered well? Browning of evergreens and yellowing of Box are signs of drought.
5 Jun, 2011