Oak Leaf Hydranga-Wilted and Spotted Leaves

Our Oak leaf hydrangas started beautifully this year, but then began to exhibit a red spotting on the leaves, immediately followed by wilting and dying off. There do appear to be some new leaf buds on the limbs where the wilt has run it's course, and there are parts of the plants that are putting on new growth that is not yet affected. We have sprayed initially with Potassium Bicarbonate in the case that it is fungal in nature, but recent rains have washed the treatment away. Our beds are completely organic. Due to recent heavy rains and the fact that the beds are located in somewhat of a low area, we are concerned that, even though the drainage is good, the soggy nature of our Spring may be a cause. Any help in this area would be appreciated.

They like it on the damp side for me, they always loose lower leaves about when it starts to get hot, the tree roots should keep that ground drier in summer, and mine have to have complete shade in summer/fall and sun only in winter (under deciduous oaks).

Don't know if this helps but they do well down here in humidity and heat--but took a while for me to find the exact location they liked best. Like rich soil too--that mulch looks just right for them.
Debbie

It looks similar to black spot on roses, so I bet it's something fungal and with all this rain, it's hard to treat because it won't stay dry long enough! You might try another treatment of the potassium bicarbonate or even the milk treatment.

If it is fungal, you might want to check out this thread and links on it ~ truly organic and worth a try... http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/729555/

Thanks for the info.So cornmeal and alphalfa pellets... Pretty soon my garage is going to look like I have livestock in the yard.

Yes, but it will be "healthy" livestock... LOL

If I start seeing topiaries of goats and cows I will begin to worry. Actually, I am a little worried I might attract some varmints. Will a garbage bag do the trick?

We put our horticultural grade cornmeal and dry molasses in the large plastic containers made for dog food. We got them at The Container Store. They have a lid that snaps on and they're on wheels, so they are easy to move around.

I put some cornmeal down for some rust on one of my French Hollyhocks and when I checked on it a couple of days later, it had fuzzy mold growing on top of it! LOL Now that the cornmeal has had time to be soaked into the ground, I think I'll sprinkle on some dry garlic.

That sounds like an ergonomic solution for that "food" Wow, fuzzy mold????Keep us posted.