What Is Wrong With My Red Tip Photonia?

Question

I planted three red tip photonia against a fence in my yard last spring. They seemed to do well all summer and most of fall. But now they have no leaves! Lots of my neighbors have large healthy photonia and they are recommended for my zone. I read that photonia are susceptible to fungus and I sprayed with a copper fungicide a couple of weeks ago but that hasn’t seemed to make a difference yet. Thanks for any thoughts!

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Answer 1

Those leaves appear to have been eaten by something!This could be a caterpillar, and a night feeding one at that. There are many nocturnal caterpillars that leave this pattern of mostly eaten leaves.

Unfortunately, this usually requires manual removal of the caterpillars as you see them. There are a few remedies that you can try, however.

These articles will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/what-are-organic-pesticides.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/natural-home-pesticides-organic-garden-pest-control.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/prevent-caterpillars.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/photinia/photinia-leaf-spot.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/photinia/growing-red-tip-photinia.htm