Question
We have three three-year old variegated dogwoods. Year before last and last
year they grew great. At that end of the summer of 2005 one shrub started
with a rust or red color spot on the leaves. Some dropped off the stems.  Last
year, but he end of the year, all three shrubs were covered. The landscaping
company suggested  I cut them back to the ground. I did. this year only one
has come back with green shoots. My questions: do you think all three will
come back and 2. what can I do to prevent it. the company sold me some
stuff that treats "rust" something and said to even spray it on the ground
where some of the leaves had been last year.

I am skeptical, since it appears they were wrong about  cutting the shrubs
back, they were large and beautiful before this last late summer.

Thanks.  

Answer
Judi,

First, the company was wrong to tell you to prune the dogwoods back to the ground. You should never cut a plant back past 12 inches from the soil level. I think you can spark new growth by fertilizing heavily this spring to encourage vigorous growth.

As for the "rust"- I have never run across any disease on a dogwood that causes a red spot. The closest disease that I can think of would be dogwood anthracnose. This is a very difficult disease to control. You will need to start spraying as soon as the leaves emerge and every few weeks afterward. I would recommend taking a sample to your local cooperative extension for diagnosis.

I hope this helps.

Good luck,
Ed Gulliksen