China Girl Hollybush Stems Totally Bare

Question

I have lost 4 25 year old Holly bushes the same thing is happening now to one of the new ones. I use holly tone Am worried I’ll lose the new bushes now

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Answer 1

Were the new bushes planted where the old ones died? There is something called replant disease, where you should not plant the same species where one died. I included information below.

The brown spots on the stems could be from canker disease or a blight. A soil test would be helpful. These articles should help pinpoint the problem:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/planting-in-old-spaces.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/diseases-of-holly-bushes-pests-and-diseases-damaging-holly-bushes.htm

https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/mg7

https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/holly-diseases-insect-pests/

https://extension.psu.edu/holly-diseases

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/growing-holly-bushes.htm