identify leaf spot on leucothoe so appropriate fungicide can be used - Ask Extension
This leucothoe plant belongs to my daughter and son-in-law who live in Howard County . I believe it is about 2-3 years old. It is growing in a shaded ...
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identify leaf spot on leucothoe so appropriate fungicide can be used #338136
Asked June 30, 2016, 2:10 PM EDT
This leucothoe plant belongs to my daughter and son-in-law who live in Howard County . I believe it is about 2-3 years old. It is growing in a shaded environment as a foundation plant but with plenty of air circulation. The new growth this year looks great but the old growth has dessicated leaves -tough and dried out - and severe leaf spot. I know leucothoe get several different fungi so would like you to attempt identification and recommend an appropriate fungicide. Thank you.
Howard County Maryland
Expert Response
Leucothoe gets eight leaf spot diseases and we cannot identify the disease from your photos. It is very difficult to identify these diseases even when dealing with a plant sample. Leucothoe is very difficult to grow in a garden setting without getting some kind of leaf spot. It prefers woodsy settings and moist soil and is not at all fond of the wild swings in moisture that we have had in the past few years. It can take time to get established. We do not have data that would say which fungicide would be best. If you want to try a fungicide, first try a copper product in the spring. Even if you use a fungicide, you may continue to get leaf spot especially in wet years. vw