shrubs now dead? The weather was 82 degrees and humid. They were sprayed in the morning and had been pruned 4 days prior. We were treating for powdery mildew.
If it was very early morning the spray shouldn't have burned the leaves. But if it was later in the morning when the sun had been shining, there could have been some damage. Were all the instructions followed on the application of the fungicide as to how much and when?
When leaves curl up, the plant is under stress. Although ninebarks don't need much pruning, I wouldn't think that caused the leaves to curl up and die. It seems to be related to the fungicide application. Fungicides are better at preventing a problem than curing it and are typically applied in cooler weather.
If the stems are dead (you can scrape off some of the stem and if it is green underneath, they are still alive), you can cut those back to the ground. If they are alive, let the leaves drop off and remove them from the ground and discard them in trash. Then during late winter, cut the stems back to about 1 foot from the ground.
Hopefully, it will releaf in the spring, if not sooner.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/ninebark/growing-ninebark-shrubs.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
Hello My spicy devil Ninebarks has white powdery mildew and the branches are turning woody. The leaves are also curling up and drying out. How can I save it? I’ve been doing full sun to light shade and keeping it evenly moist.
Podosphaera aphanis, which is the powdery mildew that will infect ninebarks can be controlled with peroxide or need oil, but prevention is necessary. Without removing thee extra moisture from the equation it is bound to happen again.
Let's get to the watering part.These shrubs are drought tolerant, but not wet tolerant. These will want a good dry out. I would let them get dry down to at least halfway down the container between watering. They don't tend to tolerate soil that stays moist, unless this is a new planting in ground. Even then, they will not thrive in moist soils after recovering.
ONce the watering issue IS corrected, it will be easier to maintain control of the infestation.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/ninebark/growing-ninebark-shrubs.htm