Douglas Spirea leaves - burnt or rust? - Ask Extension
Hello,
My spirea has me a bit concerned. I gave it a good deep watering last week because we have been having sun/wind on the coast and I thought may...
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Douglas Spirea leaves - burnt or rust? #870295
Asked May 27, 2024, 3:40 PM EDT
Hello,
My spirea has me a bit concerned. I gave it a good deep watering last week because we have been having sun/wind on the coast and I thought maybe that was the issue. It was put in last year and has looked good until lately. Attached are some photos showing the overall plant and closeups of leaves. Thanks.
Curry County Oregon
Expert Response
This looks like drought stress. Douglas Spiraea does best in moist to wet soils. In nature it is most often found along stream banks and lake edges.
Recommend that you continue regular watering as needed to keep the soil relatively moist but not waterlogged. If your soil has a higher percentage of sand, you may need to water more frequently. Use your finger to check for soil moisture a couple inches down. If it's dry, give it some water. If it's moist, then check again later.
Recommend that you continue regular watering as needed to keep the soil relatively moist but not waterlogged. If your soil has a higher percentage of sand, you may need to water more frequently. Use your finger to check for soil moisture a couple inches down. If it's dry, give it some water. If it's moist, then check again later.
Thanks for the reply. That makes sense.
Dave
