Potted African Boxwood Shrubs Are Turning Brown

Question From: N. Brown - San Diego, California, United States
Q: We are right on the beach (Pacific Ocean) and on the 10th floor of a condo facing west. We can watch the sun set in the ocean. We have a are large balcony so we added 2 large African boxwood shrubs that we bought from a nursery. We got large clay pots for the plants. The shrubs are about 4 feet tall and look more like little trees. After about 2 weeks all the leaves turn brown, but now some new leave are appearing. We are afraid it's the ocean spray that has shocked or damaged the plants. The third boxwood is inside the condo and it's still nice and green....Help. Can you a boxwood neat the ocean?
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A: Neil, my guess would be lack of water is the issue. .The containers look too small for the size of the shrubs. Also, Boxwoods are not tolerant of wind. Fertilizing with a water soluble fertilizer such as Miracle Gro can also burn the plants. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy