Rapidly dying Indian hawthorn - Ask Extension
I planted two Indian hawthorns one month ago. Both of them were doing fine, but one of them suddenly starting getting large brown sections on its leav...
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Rapidly dying Indian hawthorn #828744
Asked May 06, 2023, 6:11 PM EDT
I planted two Indian hawthorns one month ago. Both of them were doing fine, but one of them suddenly starting getting large brown sections on its leaves about a week ago and is rapidly declining. I sprayed Daconil fungicide on the leaves a few days ago in case a fungus was to blame.
Before planting, I prepped the soil well by removing much of the clay and caliche, mixing in garden soil, and adding soil acidifier and chelated iron. There is a downspout near the hawthorn, and we've been having quite a bit of rain lately. Could root rot be the culprit? If so, in addition to improving drainage, how can I prevent nearby plants from getting affected?
Thank you!
Travis County Texas
Expert Response
Hi Jim,
Sorry to hear about your ailing Indian Hawthorne. Indian Hawthorne is a notoriously difficult plant to grow, since it is susceptible to fungal attack, too much/too little sun and a myriad of other issues. However, the fact that the plant is deteriorating so rapidly after being planted suggest that it is suffering from transplant shock. I wonder too where you purchased the plant. It it was not protected in February from the freeze, this too might have affected the plant.
It is also possible that you may have also "over prepared" your soil with just too rich a "diet" for a new plant struggling to get established. Since you have already treated it with a fungicide, the best thing you can do now is to wait. Make sure to keep the soil moist but NOT soggy so avoid overwatering. Soggy soil will lead to root rot and the plant dieing.
The following link might also help;
How to Grow and Care for Indian Hawthorn (thespruce.com)
Liz S
Sorry to hear about your ailing Indian Hawthorne. Indian Hawthorne is a notoriously difficult plant to grow, since it is susceptible to fungal attack, too much/too little sun and a myriad of other issues. However, the fact that the plant is deteriorating so rapidly after being planted suggest that it is suffering from transplant shock. I wonder too where you purchased the plant. It it was not protected in February from the freeze, this too might have affected the plant.
It is also possible that you may have also "over prepared" your soil with just too rich a "diet" for a new plant struggling to get established. Since you have already treated it with a fungicide, the best thing you can do now is to wait. Make sure to keep the soil moist but NOT soggy so avoid overwatering. Soggy soil will lead to root rot and the plant dieing.
The following link might also help;
How to Grow and Care for Indian Hawthorn (thespruce.com)
Liz S
