Question
sick leucothoe
I saw your email on a website as I was looking for solutions to our coast leucothoe problem. We planted these early this summer. They are in a mostly shady area and look as though they have some kind of disease. Hopefully, the pictures will show you. They started with a whitish look on the leaves and now alot of the leaves are dying. We have older coast leucothoe and we love the plant. If you can help us, I would appreciate it. Carol
AnswerCarol:
Possible Powdery Mildew, a fungus disease that affects many plants. Resembles baby powder on the leaves! It can yellow the leaves too as a result. Google powdery mildew for some other pictures. Several fungicides available- but they work best when applied early in the spring as new leaves are forming, then a few additional sprays afterwards. CK w/garden centers for materials as SPECTRACIDE IMMUNOX,FERTILOME LIQUID SYSTEMIC FUNGICIDE or ORTHO FUNGINEX. Follow the labels instructions. It is also helpful to rakeup and destroy any fallen leaves BEFORE the spring season starts. These old leaves can help the disease get started again.
Thanks for your interest and the photo!
Steve
