I noticed that a number of the berries on my holly bushes turned black after the most recent freeze and presumed it was just a normal reaction. However, now the leaves are getting brown spots, which do not become holes but remain black/brown. In addition, the leaves are turning yellow and falling off. I'm afraid the plants may die. What is causing this, and how can I fix the problem?
It is possible that it is holly tar spot. Let me know if this article describes what you are seeing: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/holly-problems-holly-leaf-spot-or-holly-tar-spot.htm
I have four holly bushes as foundation plantings. One, planted next to the front steps, has lost nearly all its leaves in the past couple of weeks. The others have no visible damage. Some of the branches are brown and dead looking, others seem viable. Do you have any ideas on what is going on? If it is frost damage/winter kill, then why is only one bush affected?
This article might help pinpoint the problem: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/diseases-of-holly-bushes-pests-and-diseases-damaging-holly-bushes.htm
I have several young holly plants in a hedge row that are about three years old, grown from whips. Nearly all of them have shown the following symptoms and appear dead:
The leaves have turned yellow/brown, the stem appears grey and mottled. They are grown in a clay soil, in a ridge and furrow field open to the elements.
Could the harsh winter have killed them off? They have survived the previous two winters OK.
It is possible that it is holly tar spot. Let me know if this article describes what you are seeing:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/holly-problems-holly-leaf-spot-or-holly-tar-spot.htm
I just trimmed back my holly bushes and need to know what, if any, plant food I should use. Also, how can I tell if I have male or female bushes? I have two bushes with berries (out of 5).
Feeding should be done in early spring or late autumn with a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving, broad-leaved evergreens—like Holly Tone.
This article will help with identifying male/females hollies: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/how-to-tell-the-difference-between-a-male-and-female-holly-bush.htm
The brown leaves begin browning at the tips and go to the stem, while the inner part of the leaf is green. Some other leaves are yellow with brown spots. We just moved to this home in Pennsylvania. Please advise. I don't see insects.
It could be tar spot: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/holly-problems-holly-leaf-spot-or-holly-tar-spot.htm
After having black tar spot, all the leaves have turned hard and crispy on the holly tree. I have taken most of them off the tree but will they regrow again?
Live in coastal North Carolina, sandy soil. Have holly bushes all around the house. This year the bushes have grown dramatically, but leaves only on the ends of the top branches. Bare in the middle and down to the bottom. What can I do?
This happens when the top and outside of the bush becomes to full and thick. Light cannot make it to the bottom and inside the plant and the interior and bottom of the plant dies.
This can be reversed by pruning to allow more light into the center and also so that the top is slightly smaller than the bottom to allow the light to reach the bottom.