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Sunday, August 28, 2016

Shrub Dropping Its Leaves Could Be Lack of Water



Q. A month ago we had a shrub that was seemingly healthy.  It began losing its leaves since then.  I do not know the name of this shrub but it is ten years old and planted on the north side of our home getting only the early morning sun. My question is, is there a possibility of the leaves coming back or is this shrub a goner?  

A. Couldn’t tell 100% from the picture you sent but I think it is Pittosporum. First glance at the picture looked like it went through some sort of rapid shock. That's why there is leaf drop and many of them are still green. Otherwise, the plant looks healthy except for this leaf drop.
            I think the soil got too dry for a short time and caused the leaf drop. Take a hose and soak the area at the base of the shrub twice during this next week. I think you will see it produce new leaves and start to come back within 7 to 10 days.
            Check to make sure the drip emitters are not plugged and the plant is getting water. But I think it was a short-term water problem during excessively hot weather.

5 comments:

  1. This looks like an evergreen euonymus. I've seen this happen a lot. Soil will be moist and branches are all still flexible. Bob, do you think this is some sort of soil borne disease. Perhaps a fungus?

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    Replies
    1. Evergreen euonymus, about the only disease I have seen on it has been powdery mildew one it's grown in the shade.

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  2. Replies
    1. Hard to tell but it doesn't look like privet to me. But I could be wrong.

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  3. But somebody has taken a hedge shears to it when they pruned it.

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