Question
I have several variegated pittosporum planted along my fence. They were planted in Summer of 2002. All was fine until latter part of last summer. Several of the plants started to turn brown, the leaves curled up and the plants died. I have lost close to 40% of the plants. I have an automatic sprinler system that runs every other day during the summer for seven mintues in the morning. It has been set like that since the pittosproum were planted eight years ago. I have had two landscaping services take a look at the plants. One told me it was just a disease that was happening in Houston last summer. The other told me I was watering too frequently. He recommended I water once a week for seven minutes. Both landscapers recommended replanting new pittosporum to replace the ones that died. I am reluctant to do so without knowing the cause of the problem. Can you tell me what you think is the cause and what I can do to protect the remaining pittospourm? Thanks.

Answer
Dear Allen, I wish I could see a picture of them, but let me try to help you assess the problem.  First, pittosporum generally grow best in shady areas.  A lot of books suggest they can grow in full to part sun, but I never see happy ones in full sun.  Also, they need well drained soil so if the area is standing in water at any time that could be a problem.  They do also prefer warmer climates (20 degrees Fahrenheit is very cold to them), so growing them much further north than Texas or Oklahoma would be a problem, and I might grow them close to the house in a colder climate.  If they had freeze damage, you probably wouldn't be able to tell until late in spring or early summer, and you would probably be able to see split trunks.  If you live in Houston as you mentioned there was a disease there, I would get something like a fungicidal spray (Triple Action Plus is good because it will kill mites, insects, and fungus diseases).  Also, when you water, I would water more deeply (15-20 minutes) and less frequently (once a week or twice a week if it is very hot).  You may need to write me back if none of these suggestions fit the problem, but if nothing else works, try the spray several times a week apart and see if that helps.  Good luck and please contact me again if this doesn't help the problem.  Melissa