Hello. I have tried several places to find an answer - hope you can help! I have a large bank (10 ft tall by 20 ft long) of old (>18 years) Indian Hawthorn next to my house (maybe 5 individual shrubs). This summer noticed what I thought might be a virus attacking the leaves, but now think it is an invert. One garden store suggested chili trips, but from what I've read that doesn't really match and they don't look like thrips. All leaves can be infected (old and new), they are losing color or maybe chlorophyll in a "mined" type of way but no pathways. There is some spotting but doesn't look like the typical spot this species gets. The inverts look a bit spotted to me. Dropping leaves too. See photos for more detail - want to know if they can be saved or should I take them out so they don't infect the rest of the yard (many other Hawthorns too).
Leafhoppers, mites, or thrips are all likely pests, here.
There are many ways to control pests, some of which are natural and some that are chemical. These articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/what-are-organic-pesticides.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides
We had an unexpected freeze a month ago(TX). All of our Indian Hawthorne bushes got affected. The flowers died and the leaves have all turned brown but have yet to fall off the branches. Unlike our other plants, roses, flowers, etc. which have revived and bloomed the bushes have yet to show any new signs of life. Are they completely dead and should I just dig it up or is it just slower in reviving? What should I do to help it along like trim the branches or anything?
It is slow growing, and it will take quite awhile to recover. It will recover, though, likely. They can tolerate freezing but aren't going to be happy about it.
Test several branches by bending, or snapping, the tip. If there is some life left, then it will bend and not be brittle. Scratching the bark surface should reveal green. This scratch test will help determine if your tree is still alive. Here is an article that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-scratch-test.htm
This article will help you to care for the tree:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/indian-hawthorn/growing-indian-hawthorn.htm
The plants are well established but are getting then due to the leaves turning orange and falling off.
Check the pH and nutrient level of the soil. It could be a phosphorus deficiency, or soil that is too acidic.
Normally, the new growth will come out bright red, but it should not be sporadic like in that picture.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/indian-hawthorn/growing-indian-hawthorn.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
I have 5 mature plants in front of a window. They have grown into each other. It’s is now beginning of June...should I remove and go back with Carissa holly. The IH have gotten so big that the cover about ten inches of sidewalk. The leaf spot is all over. I have sprayed once with a fungicide.
Unfortunately, you will need to spray several times, according to the instructions on the fungicide. Make sure to follow all instructions carefully in order to gain the full benefits of the fungicide. Here is an article that will help you with fungicide use:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
Along with fungicide use, you will need to stop the spread of spores by removing any and all dead and dying material. Any infected material will be a vector for spreading spores. Keep all fallen leaves raked up and disposed of, completely. Trim all infected growth and respray with a fungicide to help destroy some of the spore load.
This article is for a different shrub, but the treatment will be the same:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/photinia/photinia-leaf-spot.htm
I planted 4 Indian Hawthorn last year. One died. 3 still seem to be alive with solid roots. But, no leaves. Someone suggested that I should give them sugar water. But, there is no sign of recovering. I have been watering. What else can I do ?
They should have recovered in a year's time! This will mean that there is something very wrong with the place in which they are growing. Unfortunately, your photos did not come through. I am unable to see the damage, or environment around it.
In the meantime, this collection of articles will help you to care for the shrub:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/indian-hawthorn/growing-indian-hawthorn.htm
This hedge is probably 20+ years old. Healthy and blooms, however I think the roots are all in the flower bed in front as nothing grows well there. Can I chop off some roots? Or will I kill it? Thank you
It's best not to cut any roots, especially in old plantings. The stress could send them into a decline.
Can you relocate the flower bed?
Can I plant Indian Hawthorn in a grassy and just mow between the bushes rather than having to remove the grass and put in a bed. Not lazy, just old.
You don't need to create a whole new bed, but it is best to at least remove the grass out to the dripline and add 2 to 3 inches of mulch. This will help keep the mower and/or weedeater from hitting the trunk and help retain moisture.
Also, if the plant is completely surrounded by grass, it will have to compete for nutrients and water. And when you apply any lawn fertilizer or herbicide, you will need to make sure it is applied several feet from the shrub to avoid its root zone.