Question
Red Tip Trunk
Please see the attached photo. Several of our red tip shrubs have this at the base of the plant and the upper leaves are beginning to droop. What is it and what can be done?
Thank you,
Tommy B
AnswerTommy:
This white stuff is a fungus that is fruiting on the base of the shrub. There is a good chance that it indicates some level of internal decay, probably leading to the wilt you are seeing. This is a slow/progressive decline for which there is no magic bullet to cure. Replacement will more than likely be the best option. This fungus is probably a root rot fungus that has set up housekeeping inside this shrub. Given the opportunity, it can spread to other redtip shrubs in the vicinity. Many of these organisms get into the plant by wounds created on the roots.
This is a popular shrub, but in our part of the world it often falls victim to a leaf spot that causes severe defoliation. Read about it here http://www.uaex.edu/Other_Areas/publications/PDF/FSA-6112.pdf You will need Adobe Reader on your computer (free download) to open and view. As a safety net, you may eventually need to replace these plants with another type shrub.
Regards
Steve
