Inkberry shrubs are dying - Ask Extension
My inkberry shrubs were planted 2 years ago and now the leaves are turning black/dk brown and falling off - some leave are spotted as well, but most a...
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Inkberry shrubs are dying #797616
Asked June 24, 2022, 11:56 AM EDT
My inkberry shrubs were planted 2 years ago and now the leaves are turning black/dk brown and falling off - some leave are spotted as well, but most are black/dk brown. I just sent in a soil test from extension. Looking for help - is it my soil, a fungus, what? Pictures attached
Thank You!
Mecosta County Michigan
Expert Response
Good Morning,
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.
This looks like it could be Phytophthora root rot, a common disease of holly plants. It most often occurs then plants are in sites where compacted or poorly draining soil occurs, when a plant is planted or mulched too deeply or if the plant is infected in the nursery prior to purchase. More information on this disease is here (see last page of the attached document): http://www.hollysocam.org/PDF/growing/ANR-1087.pdf
I would recommend sending a sample of this plant in to MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic Services to confirm this because if it is Phytophthora you would need to remove the plant. This link will get you to their website so you can learn how to submit a sample: (https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/services-fees)
If removal is necessary, this list of plants resistant to this disease will be helpful in choosing the next plant for that spot:
https://plantpathology.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/AG-747_Crown-Rot.pdf?fwd=no
Reference
Phytophthora Root Rot of Trees and Shrubs (missouribotanicalgarden.org)
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
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.
This looks like it could be Phytophthora root rot, a common disease of holly plants. It most often occurs then plants are in sites where compacted or poorly draining soil occurs, when a plant is planted or mulched too deeply or if the plant is infected in the nursery prior to purchase. More information on this disease is here (see last page of the attached document): http://www.hollysocam.org/PDF/growing/ANR-1087.pdf
I would recommend sending a sample of this plant in to MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic Services to confirm this because if it is Phytophthora you would need to remove the plant. This link will get you to their website so you can learn how to submit a sample: (https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/services-fees)
If removal is necessary, this list of plants resistant to this disease will be helpful in choosing the next plant for that spot:
https://plantpathology.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/AG-747_Crown-Rot.pdf?fwd=no
Reference
Phytophthora Root Rot of Trees and Shrubs (missouribotanicalgarden.org)
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
