Question
diseased euonymus
Hi - I have a large euonymus, at least 15 yrs old, 15+feet high, never had any problem, looked fine last year. Now this spring half of it appears dead - some branches completely bare, some have little stunted leaves that did not fully develop. Some stems are turning red and falling off. No insects, no damage to trunk, nothing that looks like pictures of scale. See pictures. Can this plant be saved?
AnswerDear Jane,
I'm "Coach Dave" and I'm a bit baffled about your euonymus as you are. There are few reasons that leaf drop occurs.
1)Shock: a transplant,chemical, or extreme temperature change can do this. However usually only prominent in new growth.
2)Scale: although you stated no insects be thorough in making sure this is not the problem. You euonymus have all the signs that it is the problem.
3)Anthracnos: this is a fungus that is easily treated with a copper fungicide.
I believe fungus is the problem...although I didn't rule out the scale problem.
To address I would:
1)Cut off all diseased looking branches/leaves and dispose of. This includes on the ground.
2)Spray with a fungicide such as: Neem Oil or Daconil. Remember, these require more than one application.
Happy Gardening,
Coach Dave
