Question
Dear David - I have problems with 2 plants.

1) Holly - Couple weeks back I sprayed it with fungicide for treating black spot. And yesterday again I sprayed. I see that the black spot is not present on the new leaves but the leaves in the middle of my hollies (I have about 15 of them) are turning yellow, then brown at the edges,and then fully black and falling off. Could you please let me know what may be going on with them and how can I treat this condition?

2) Gardenia - The gardenia is otherwise healthy but seemed to be attacked by spider mites which I sprayed with insecticide,and the spider mites look dead now. But the new leaves (I noticed this happening for past 2 weeks) are all wilted and curled. Any advise on what is happening with them and how I can treat this condition.

Thanking you very much in advance.

Warm Regards,
Esha.

Answer
The holly sounds like a root problem or possibly a soil problem.  I would have a soil test conducted.  Your local county extension office can help you with this.  If the pH is not correct, it could be causing the problem and is easily fixed.  Let me know and I can recommend the correct fertilizer.

On the gardenia, it sounds like there are still bugs on the youngest leaves.  Take them in to your county extension office and let them look for small bugs (such as nites) with a hand lens.  There may still be insects you do not see.

Good Luck.