Ilex opaca ‘Maryland Dwarf’ disease - Ask Extension
Last fall (2023) I planted two of these. About 12in call and 30in wide. IN an area that receives direct sunlight at least half the day.
In early spr...
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Ilex opaca ‘Maryland Dwarf’ disease #866880
Asked May 03, 2024, 11:31 AM EDT
Last fall (2023) I planted two of these. About 12in call and 30in wide. IN an area that receives direct sunlight at least half the day.
In early spring I noticed the leaves becoming spotted, then yellow, then brown and falling off. This affected about 1/4 -1/3 of the plant.
I removed most of the affected leaves on the plan and on the ground, and sprayed with a Fungicide made from .02% citric acid. (trying to avoid more toxic products). The bushes put out strong new growth and are setting flower buds. But the leaf spot keeps spreading. I know many Ilex will have leaf yellowing and loss this time of year. I'm just trying to figure out if this is something that needs to be treated with a fungicide and if so what is the best/least environmentally dangerous approach.
Baltimore City County Maryland
Expert Response
Congratulations on finding and planting this native shrub.
We actually think that they look very well and you don't have anything to worry about.
American holly (Ilex opaca) leaves naturally yellow and shed older leaves in the spring and we think that is what you are seeing. Leaves can become spotty as they begin to die back.
Fungicides of any type are rarely needed or useful. They are not curative, they only treat symptoms and need to be reapplied regularly. It would have been better not to as it could affect non-target organisms that were there.
One of the many beautiful things about native plants is that they need less attention and inputs (inc. chemicals) than other landscape plants as they have evolved here in harmony with other flora and fauna over eons to support each other.
We are always happy to take a look at your garden concerns and give you our thoughts before any spraying is done.
Christine
We actually think that they look very well and you don't have anything to worry about.
American holly (Ilex opaca) leaves naturally yellow and shed older leaves in the spring and we think that is what you are seeing. Leaves can become spotty as they begin to die back.
Fungicides of any type are rarely needed or useful. They are not curative, they only treat symptoms and need to be reapplied regularly. It would have been better not to as it could affect non-target organisms that were there.
One of the many beautiful things about native plants is that they need less attention and inputs (inc. chemicals) than other landscape plants as they have evolved here in harmony with other flora and fauna over eons to support each other.
We are always happy to take a look at your garden concerns and give you our thoughts before any spraying is done.
Christine
Thank you!nI appreciate the quick response.
I understand that spraying is to be avoided.
I’ve just had bad luck with a few plants in this part of my garden and I keep imagining there is something lurking in the soil.
But hopefully these little guys will prove me wrong.
Bill
On May 3, 2024, at 1:11 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Plants need about 3 years to get fully established so just keep an eye on them and supplement irrigation needs through times of dry weather.
We think you will be happy with these- they are beautiful plants!
Emily
Many thanks, have a great weekend!
Bill
On May 3, 2024, at 2:29 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
