Question
We once had a flourishing Photinia, Red Robin, which has grown to nearly 6 feet in three years.  It used to have lots of foliage.  Then gradually it became very scraggly.  And a black spot appeared on the leaves.  Now there are no new green leaves, just the drooping red leaves which I assume are from previous growth.  Is it terminal or is there anything we can do about this bush.  It is one of my wife's favourites.  We live in a realtively unexposed but wet part of Donegal and the soil sometimes becomes quite waterlogged in winter.... and spring and autumn!

Answer
Boyd,
It is possible that the Photinia have been attacked by two separate diseases. Black spot is a disease that causes the leaves to develop lesions and fall off. This disease is easily controled using fungicides in the spring into early summer.
The second problem that I suspect from your description is much harder to control. The red droopy leaves usually indicate the presence of the disease Fireblight. This vascular disease is more difficult to control since the pathagen for the disease is inside the plant. There are a few specialized fungicides that will control it. Check with your local garden center.
Avoid the use of high nitrogen fertilizers that cause flushes of top growth. This can weaken the plants and aggreivate the situation.
Good luck.
ED Gulliksen