"Debbie" wrote in message ...
Hi

Last summer, I planted four Photinia "Red Robin" shrubs in my front yard
because I loved the colour of their leaves and thought they would make an
attractive property divide. They have now almost doubled in size but when I
took a close look at them recently I noticed that they are absolutely
covered in some kind of leaf spot. I am not a knowledgeable gardener, but I
have read online that Photinia appear to be prone to leaf spot. I would
like to save the plants but am not sure what to do. Any advice would be
gratefully received.

Many thanks - Debbie
Virginia, USA


Since you have to take a close look, yours aren't as bad as mine were
and may have a chance. I had to rip mine out because the spot
progressed to the point of no return. In my research about the disease
I learned a few things.

1. Keep underneath the bush WELL raked. The disease is spread partly
by spot-stricken leaves on the ground. The fallen leaves get splashed
by water and send the spores upward to contaminate more leaves.
Dispose of the leaves, do not compost or burn.

2. Use immunox anti-fungal in a spray once every 7-21 days. I'd
suggest an Ortho dial-a-spray that is kept full of the stuff. Spray
often. Soak the plants with the stuff when you spray. The Ortho helps
you do this quickly.

3. Although more suceptible, new growth is your friend. You basically
need to grow to reduce the proportional amount of the disease. Keep
spraying and the new leaves will get the disease less. If they make it
to green from red without a spot, they will likely stay that way.

4. As such, you need to make your soil friendly to growth. Try texas
greensand for iron. I've heard that corn meal helps against the
disease (Take a look at www.dirtdoctor.com for the "Sick tree
treatment"

5. Don't cut them back to much. Part of the reason mine failed was
that they were kept as a short hedge. Photinia want to grow.

6. If all else fails, go to a local "mom and pop" nursury, not to the
BORG (Big Orange Retail Giant - Home Depot). Bring pictures of the
location. Know where North is and when and how much sun the location
gets. Ask them to recommend a suitable replacement. I went with dwarf
holly and sage.