Somethings Attacking My Holly

Question

I have had holly bush for over a year now. And over the year they get a white powder and little black or dark brown tiny spores from what I have been told. I don’t think it’s black spot. I have cleared old straw and keep it clean. The bottoms I keep clean and dry. I have used sprays for fungus. What can it be?

Answer 1

The white powder you describe is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is caused by fungus that attack Holly leaves, sometimes covering them entirely with a thin white powdery coating. For more information, here is an article or two that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/get-the-cure-for-powdery-mildew.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/powdery-mildew-homemade-and-organic-remedies.htm

The black substance sounds like sooty mold, which is a symptom of several kinds of pests that can attack hollies. I recommend treating the plants with neem oil. This will kill any pests on the plant and treat the sooty mold as well. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm