On 21 Apr, 11:41, "Liz" wrote:
Hi

I bought a large (4ft) container-grown Viburnum tinus from a supplier in
Leicestershire in late February.
It seemed fairly healthy when it arrived apart from some small black-spot lesions on
the older growth.
It has been planted in semi-shade with sun all morning and again in the later
afternoon and evening and is sheltered from the prevalent south-westerly winds.
Although we are costal north Cumbria we get very little wind coming from the north to
carry any potential salt spray. The Viburnum was planted in a well-prepared hole
with FYM and blood, fish and bone. It has been regularly watered and this spring it
has been liquid fed on several occasions since planting as it has started to look
poorly. Since planting we have had frost on one or two nights and even then only mild
frost.

Over the last month or so, last year's growth has become yellowish and the black/grey
leaf lesions have spread. Some in-bud flower heads have turned brown and dropped -
others are now starting to open and look quite healthy. There is a reasonable amount
of leaf and bud drop but I can't see any characteristic stem lesions as yet.

I have contacted the nursery this morning as I was suspicious of Phytophthora ramorum
infection. Interestingly he said they had just had another shipment of Viburnum
tinus in from Italy (where I know it has been recorded) and he is investigating this
recent shipment for suspected Phytophthora ramorum infection.

I have just emailed some photos to the nursery and will send them some samples. I
have also saved some samples in the fridge in case I need to send to defra.

Maybe I'm just being a little neurotic but I have posted some images on my website
and I would be interested in comments, especially from people with experience of this
disease.

I haven't knowingly seen P. ramorum but that's not a happy plant so
it's as well you're getting
the DEFRA inspector to look. They won't be able to tell you straight
away but they have a quick test
that will show up if there's any Phytopthora species present and if
it's a positive test they will send it
to their lab for a positive identification. There is one suggestion I
can make having read your description
of the post planting care. I do wonder if you've been a bit too 'kind'
to it?
Were the FYM and fertiliser well mixed with the soil?
The FYM and fertiliser were sufficient to last at least until the
plant was growing away, so all you
needed to do was water during the dry weather.
Liquid feeding an already sickly looking plant is almost certain to do
further damage to roots that are
damaged or dying.
Rest and a quiet life is what a sickly plant needs most if you aren't
sure what the problem is.
Viburnums are funny things, they are susceptible to just dying without
any obvious reason so
I hope yours is one of those.