I have blue princess and prince holly bushes. One was completely covered with greyish webs on on all branches. Inside the webs were brownish seed-like substances. I dug up the bush and discarded it. Another bush has a few webs, which I brushed off and cleaned from the branch. None of the holly diseases I've read about describe this problem. Can you tell me what it is, and if the bushes can be saved?
Holly berry midge, if this is what is happening, is not an easy condition to deal with. Here's some info:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/holly-berry-midge-pests.htm
It also could be the red mite:
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/holly-diseases-insect-pests/
You may also want to consult with your local extension service agent for solutions. Here's a link with their contact information:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search?zip=19460&radius=10&extservsearchaction=search&submit=Search
This is my 5th year here and last year my Holly bushes had a lot of big flies and this year covered in what looks like black dirt. I sprayed twice a week apart with name oil. Cannot find a description of what is wrong. This is some type of fungus.
It looks like sooty mold, which grows in the honeydew produced by scale and aphids. You should be able to wash it off but look for the insect that is causing it. The neem oil should have helped eliminate the pest, however, if it's scale they are more challenging than aphids to remove.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm
The tops of my Holly bush have a sooty black substance and underneath, there are long white (about 1/2 inch) "things", at lease 6 on each leaf. The leaves are not falling off and there is new growth from the stems. Did some research, but unsure of the problem, and how to take care of it. HELP !!! We never had this problem before. Thanking you in advance for your assistance.
Most likely it is scale. The black is sooty mold which develops on the "honeydew" secreted by the scale. Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/diseases-of-holly-bushes-pests-and-diseases-damaging-holly-bushes.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/what-is-soft-scale.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/mealybugs-control.htm
I have a big boy Holly bush on side of house gets morning sun & afternoon shade. I gave it bone meal in early spring flowered & looked alright but now leaves are darkening, dry & falling off. What can I do to save this bush from dieing?
Unfortunately, your photo did not come through. I cannot assess the situation. The best thing to do, in the meantime, will be to test the soil for nutrient content and pH swings. Usually, correcting these issues will be enough. Sometimes, it is disease.
These articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/test-soil-for-pests-and-diseases.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/making-sure-soil-drains-well.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
If all else fails, you can contact your local extension service:
My Big Boy Holly leaves are turning purple brown, dry, & falling off bush. Bush is located near my house foundation & surrounded by a cemented sidewalk. It gets full morning sun & gradual shade in afternoon. I water every day but soil maybe dry near roots. There are white specs on stems of bush. This is a small bush about 4' tall planted 2 years ago. See attached pictures.
This article should help:
I recently transfer a holly tree to another location. It looks like it dying. The ph levels are 6.0. Can you help?
This looks like transplant shock. Ultimately, prevention is the best method, as there is not much that you can do to help a plant in shock. Offering perfect conditions will be the best way forward.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/transplant-holly-bushes.htm
I have 3 6 foot Nellie Stevens that were planted last Fall and appeared to be doing well until a few weeks ago. Now I have several small limbs where the stems have turned black and their leaves are falling off. There is no obvious bug problem and the moisture available to the roots appears adequate -- maybe a little wet if anything.
There are insects like scale that excrete a clear, sweet honeydew substance that, with time, turns black and is called sooty mold. You need to address the insect infestation first (identify if it is scale or something else and then apply appropriate counter measures). Then clean up the mess with water, a little soap and a hose (sometimes just water is enough).