Inkberry Problems - Ask Extension
I have written in before re my frustration with these inkberries, which seem to have had problems since I've planted them 2 years ago. They have had w...
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Inkberry Problems #450668
Asked April 30, 2018, 2:47 PM EDT
I have written in before re my frustration with these inkberries, which seem to have had problems since I've planted them 2 years ago. They have had what I believed to be a secondary fungus but was told there was no treatment for it. They've turned brown, lost leaves, died, and were replaced. And now, they ALL 5 appear to have leaf spot (see current picture). They do not appear to be growing very much either so clearly they have been under stress and haven't really "taken off" in this environment. I thought I would try two interventions and then maybe will have to try another evergreen. My questions are:
1/ do you believe this is leaf spot and if so, how should I treat it?
2/ what would a good fertilizer be to "improve [overall/general] vigor" of plant? Is a holly tone fertilizer like for azaleas appropriate? please recommend brand/type.
3/ if I do end up replacing them (which I hope I don't have to), I am considering laurel - is that also prone to disease or would that be a good choice?
Thank you.
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
How well have they been cared for after installation? It could be a failure to establish in both cases, combined with cultural issues like their preference for an acid soil pH.
Inkberry are a type of native holly (Ilex glabra). They need to be well-watered, especially during the crucial establishment for the first 18-24 months.
While leaf spot diseases can arise, they are not likely to kill the plant, however, like us, they are more likely to get sick/diseased when under stress.
See here: https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/fungal-leaf-spots-shrubs
Additionally, all broad-leaved evergreens look pretty rough this spring after the winter. Soon though, most plants will begin sending out a flush of fresh, new leaves that will improve appearance. The old, diseased leaves will fall (and you could prune/shape them now if you like), and it would be good to rake up under the plants to lessen the presence of disease organisms in the future.
Here is a page on them: http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d553
We suggest that you get a soil test done, and then you will know the pH and how to adjust it. Here is our soil testing page: https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/soils/soil-testing
Holly-tone would be an appropriate fertilizer to use in the fall after the deciduous trees lose their leaves.
cm
Inkberry are a type of native holly (Ilex glabra). They need to be well-watered, especially during the crucial establishment for the first 18-24 months.
While leaf spot diseases can arise, they are not likely to kill the plant, however, like us, they are more likely to get sick/diseased when under stress.
See here: https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/fungal-leaf-spots-shrubs
Additionally, all broad-leaved evergreens look pretty rough this spring after the winter. Soon though, most plants will begin sending out a flush of fresh, new leaves that will improve appearance. The old, diseased leaves will fall (and you could prune/shape them now if you like), and it would be good to rake up under the plants to lessen the presence of disease organisms in the future.
Here is a page on them: http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d553
We suggest that you get a soil test done, and then you will know the pH and how to adjust it. Here is our soil testing page: https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/soils/soil-testing
Holly-tone would be an appropriate fertilizer to use in the fall after the deciduous trees lose their leaves.
cm
Thank you!!! I'm attaching a soil test analysis that I already had performed in that area in April 2017. I already have acidic soil, maybe even too acidic. Is there something that I can add to the soil now to help them? You suggested Holly-tone, but can I do that now? Or must I wait until the fall?
oops, here it is. It was done from UDC Testing lab.
A soil pH of below 6.8 is good for inkberry hollies, so your pH at 5 should be fine for them. Holly-tone contains a fairly even ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, so you can use it as a general slow-release fertilizer. You can apply it now as the plants are actively growing.
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