Why Is My Bush Dying?

Question

One of my long established plants is now dying. It started last season, leaves turned brown/yellow and then all leaves fell off. I have attached a pic. I’m not sure if it’s a pest or damage at the root but it is spreading.

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Answer 1

This appears to be Phytopthora root rot. This microbe can kill off a shrub quite quickly, without treatment.

You will want to treat with a fungicide, and remove as much of the topsoil around the shrub as possible. Replace it with fresh soil, or mulch.

Here are some articles that will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/what-is-phytophthora.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm