Centenial Girl Hollies: what's happening (Pests? Fungus?) - Ask Extension
Something's happening to my hollies, and I assume it's not good.
Leaves are yellowing on their edges.
There are speckles on them.
And some of the l...
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Centenial Girl Hollies: what's happening (Pests? Fungus?) #783767
Asked March 11, 2022, 10:44 AM EST
Something's happening to my hollies, and I assume it's not good.
Leaves are yellowing on their edges.
There are speckles on them.
And some of the leaves haave died.
Could you tell me what's going on, please?
And what I can do to correct the problem?
Thank you.
Anne Arundel County Maryland
Expert Response
We viewed your photos. We cannot say for sure what is going on. It may be physiological in nature, may be moisture related-too much or not enough, etc.
Sometimes when soils are wet and uptake of moisture is faster than transpiration (water loss through the leaves), plants may show edema symptoms. Edema is typically caused by the excess moisture available to the plant.
Check the drainage in the area and make sure it drains well. If there is mulch, make sure it is no thicker than several inches and away from the base of the plants. Water during dry periods this growing season. If you notice additional symptoms, you can send more photos.
Marian
Sometimes when soils are wet and uptake of moisture is faster than transpiration (water loss through the leaves), plants may show edema symptoms. Edema is typically caused by the excess moisture available to the plant.
Check the drainage in the area and make sure it drains well. If there is mulch, make sure it is no thicker than several inches and away from the base of the plants. Water during dry periods this growing season. If you notice additional symptoms, you can send more photos.
Marian
Dear Marian,
I lost a number of hollies several years ago.
And I don't want to lose anymore.
I'll try to settle down my anxiety attack.
That holly and 6 others have been where they are for 13yrs.
Would the drainage change from year to year?
None of them are mulched.
I've been ripping out the English Ivy around them.
(I know eradicating English Ivy is a fantasy.)
This will show you how much of a non-gardener I am re: watering them.
If they were potted plants I could stick my finger in the potted soil.
But they're not. How do I know when to water them?
Thank you for your reply and help.
I really do appreciate it.
We are happy to help.
As Marian noted, it's not really possible to explain what is going on, but it doesn't look serious. Some of it may even just be the drying out of leaves that can occur in the winter on broad-leaved evergreens, called winterburn. Check to see if you can notice a pattern of the stressed leaves being on the sunny or windward side of the trees.
New, fresh leaves will be pushed out with the arrival of spring and summer. Be aware however that it is natural in late winter into spring for some older holly leaves to yellow and fall as the new ones come in. It may seem like a lot, but as long as you are seeing new growth it should be fine.
As far as knowing when to water, you are actually on the right track, as it's similar to how you check your houseplants.
This page from our website will explain more:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/watering-trees-and-shrubs
Enjoy your spring!
Christine
As Marian noted, it's not really possible to explain what is going on, but it doesn't look serious. Some of it may even just be the drying out of leaves that can occur in the winter on broad-leaved evergreens, called winterburn. Check to see if you can notice a pattern of the stressed leaves being on the sunny or windward side of the trees.
New, fresh leaves will be pushed out with the arrival of spring and summer. Be aware however that it is natural in late winter into spring for some older holly leaves to yellow and fall as the new ones come in. It may seem like a lot, but as long as you are seeing new growth it should be fine.
As far as knowing when to water, you are actually on the right track, as it's similar to how you check your houseplants.
This page from our website will explain more:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/watering-trees-and-shrubs
Enjoy your spring!
Christine
