Winter bronzing

Winter bronzing

By Misty Gil, Posted in Plants
January 06, 2025

 

 As winter draws to a  close, some beloved evergreens may adopt a bronze hue, prompting a common concern: "Is my plant dying?" Fear not! This transformation, known as "winter bronzing," is a natural occurrence during the transition between seasons. Fluctuating temperatures, sunlight variations, and freezing conditions trigger foliage discoloration. As the ground freezes and plants lose more water than they absorb, evergreen needles or leaves may appear brown, bronze, or even orange. This process, akin to deciduous leaves changing color in fall, unveils the true hues of the foliage. It's a fascinating reminder of nature's seasonal rhythms. 

 

A few commonly affected plants are arborvitae, holly, juniper, azalea and, perhaps most notoriously, boxwood.

 

 Winter bronzing on boxwood  Winter bronzing on arborvitea green giant