Richard Burge writes
Hi All...

If i didn't know better i'd say sooty mould from aphid "droppings" but it's
thr wrong time of year. These plants (4 to 5 feet) have been outside all
year and have sooty black deposits on the leaves. These deposits rub off
with a finger or thumb.

These Ilex Aquifolium are variagated, in pots and we're stumped...

any ideas for what it is and a control?

Thanks for any help... back to google /


Scale insect? Usually what you notice first is the black deposits.
Search for the scale insects under leaves *above* the area of black
deposit.
--
Kay