Photinia Disease

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
haighr Laurel, DE(Zone 7a) May 26, 2015

I trimmed this bush two days ago and it looked fine. Today it looks horrible. Pic #4 is the healthy bush a few days ago.

Thumbnail by haighr Thumbnail by haighr Thumbnail by haighr Thumbnail by haighr Thumbnail by haighr
Post #10081488
Quote
Diana_K Contra Costa County, CA(Zone 9b) May 26, 2015

This is Entomosporium, a fungus with an affinity for certain plants within Rosaceae. (Rhaphiolepis is a common victim, too).

Here is a write up. If it does not cover your zone (timing the spray) then you might look for something from a university near you. I think Cornell has a pretty big agriculture program, and several others.
http://www.collierarbor.com/probPhotiniaLeafSpot.php

Post #10081559
Quote
haighr Laurel, DE(Zone 7a) May 27, 2015

Thanks for the information. As I read further, am guessing that it had some mild disease but when I pruned it I spread it quickly throughout the entire plant. That is likely how it spreads so fast within just 2 days.
Will look for a fungicide today. Going to have to remove all the leaves as none are salvageable at this point. Do you think it can be saved?

Post #10081761
Quote
Diana_K Contra Costa County, CA(Zone 9b) May 27, 2015

I am not sure. Photinia are tough, so maybe it will be OK with that.

I would spray first, then cut back the branches that have a lot of it. Much faster than removing the leaves, and gives you a chance to shape the plant a bit (if it needs it). Then spray again. If the leaf removal takes several days, then spray at the end of each session to protect today's open wounds.

Other alternative: Remove the Photinia, plant something else that does not get Entomosporium. Some plants seem not to get much in the way of diseases, some are bred to be resistant to the diseases that are common to their relatives.

Post #10081826
Quote
haighr Laurel, DE(Zone 7a) May 27, 2015

I removed all the leaves. Got the fungicide and sprayed the other large existing one which is about 15 feet away. That one only has minor damage. Didn't prune it as I think that is what set the other one off.
Raked up everything underneath. Sprayed the 5 leaves left on it and all around.
Now will wait to see if it comes back later or next spring. If not will welcome a flowering plum!

Post #10082226
Quote
haighr Laurel, DE(Zone 7a) Jun 17, 2015

Pleasant surprise. This bush is coming back prettier than ever! Will post a pic soon! Thanks for helping me save her.

Post #10095874
Quote
haighr Laurel, DE(Zone 7a) Jun 17, 2015

Yeah!

Thumbnail by haighr
Post #10095875
Quote
Diana_K Contra Costa County, CA(Zone 9b) Jun 17, 2015

Keep the new growth protected so the fungus does not get a chance to move in. The fungus gets into the leaf when you cannot see it, grows for a while before the leaf gets the spots you see. Do not wait until you see spots showing up.

Preventative sprays are the way to go when you are fighting a fungus.

Post #10095948
Quote
haighr Laurel, DE(Zone 7a) Jun 18, 2015

Already sprayed it my friend. Not gonna let it get ahead of me this time.

Post #10096525
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Garden Pests and Diseases Threads

Go to all Garden Pests and Diseases threads
BACK TO TOP