However, holly bushes typically grow up to 6 ft. (1.8 m) tall and are multi-stemmed plants. However, pests and diseases damaging holly bushes can happen so its important to become familiar with the most common ones for help in prevention as well as treatment. Individual species of hollies have distinctive glossy leaves with wavy margins and jaggy spines, small blunt points, or smooth edges. See Table 1 for examples of products containing these active ingredients. Chinese holly cultivar Burford and Yaupon holly cultivar Nana are tolerant to root-knot, stunt, and ring nematodes. Spray the holly tree with a general purpose fungicide every seven to 14 days from spring through summer, according to label directions or mixing rates and frequency of application. This disease begins as small, yellow spots on the leaves, which eventually become reddish brown to black in color and drop out, leaving holes in the foliage. The most common holly species are the American holly ( Ilex opaca) and the English holly ( Ilex aquifolium ). Control: Prune and destroy brooms and injured branches. Bagworms eat the leaves of many trees and shrubs. Prune your holly to improve air circulation. The Sphaeropsis tumefaciens fungus, often called Sphaeropsis gall or the less formal witches' broom, starts at the holly's lowest part. Spine Spot: Small, gray spots with purple halos are caused by the puncturing of the leaves by the spines of adjacent holly leaves. The bark at the base of the blighted twig takes on a water-soaked appearance, then looks dark, sunken, and dry. Winter Damage: Symptoms of winter damage may be browning of leaves, marginal leaf scorch, defoliation, twig and limb death, and death of entire plants. There are no chemicals to treat nematodes effectively. Dahoon holly (Ilex cassine) has a spread of 8 to 12 feet, and is able to reach heights of 40 feet tall, although it is more often seen at heights between 20 and 30 feet tall.The dark evergreen leaves are 2 to 3 inches long and smooth, supple, and shiny, with a few serrations near the tip. As an alternative, a soil application of dinotefuran or imidacloprid is effective in controlling the larvae within the leaves. Tar Spot Tar spot is a fungal infection that appears on the holly tree. This disease appears as slightly shrunken, discolored and cracked bark on twigs of the bush. Holly tree bark diseases, such as bot canker, generally are stress-related, easily prevented if you take care of the bush properly. Most types of variegated holly plants have glossy dark to light green leaves with creamy yellow margins. When tar spots are noticed, those leaves should be removed immediately to prevent its spread to other leaves on the holly. Remove and destroy (do not compost) all heavily spotted or fallen leaves. ), or botanical oils can help control many small insect pests and mites that affect garden and landscape plants. Often, the root system will continue to disintegrate until the plant dies. Adult - The adult is a small (2.5-mm), black and gray fly. Control: Treat for grubs in your lawn and you'll reduce the number of Japanese beetles (unless your neighbor doesn't control grubs, in which case beetles will invade your garden). Still, it can look fabulous in a winter garden because it's also evergreen. Apply all chemicals according to directions on the label. Holly bush berries: An abundance of red berries grow on pendulous stems. How to Care for a Silver Variegated English Holly, Instructions for Planting & Caring for a Holly Bush, Clemson Cooperative Extension: Holly Diseases & Insect Pests. A perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 9, it is a cross between English holly (Ilex aquifolium) and Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta), both of which grow in. A Woman Holding a Gift Card that Says "Merry Christmas" a Cozy Real Christmas Tree for a Family Christmas at Home in 2020. Due to product cost and for accurate application, homeowners may want to hire a licensed landscaper to apply products containing these fungicides. Using change detection technology, foresters can understand when woods are stressed. Tea scale (Fiorinia theae) is another very common armored scale pest of hollies. Visit your local garden center for help identifying and resolving an issue if this chemical does not solve the problem. Holly tree leaves: Dark green, waxy leaves that are 2.5 (6.5 cm) long with five to six spines on each side. Common Diseases of Holly and Their Control 3 above the soil level, not below. All recommendations are for South Carolina conditions and may not apply to other areas. As you should know, the leaves of the holly are sharp and pointy so a perforation will cause them to not grow properly. The cankers spread, eventually cutting off all the nutrients to any part of the plant above the canker. Damage: A prolific broom infection has the potential to pop up all over the tree, destroying it in some cases. Tar spot is a fungal disease caused by Phacidium curtisii. Prevention is the best form of treatment and holly diseases can often be avoided by practicing sound garden management techniques. Remove infected plants and replace them with other shrubs or resistant holly species, such as Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta). Carolina holly is one of the deciduous species of holly. As with all pesticides, read and follow all label instructions and precautions. $95.00. These turn reddish-brown and finally black by fall. Aboveground symptoms may include stunting of terminal growth, shortening of internodes, and interveinal chlorosis. For the most part, hollies are extremely hardy, suffering from few pests or diseases. Table 1. The plant will cast off the damaged leaves and continue to thrive. After mating, the female lays eggs in the bag, and then overwinters on a tree or shrub. However, it is the resulting second generation of adults that cause the most damage, both in lawns, but also in nearby ornamentals, such as on certain types of hollies. Prune the tree to encourage better air circulation and mulch well to prevent the fungi from splashing up from the ground. Some diseases can affect your hollies, but most can be avoided by giving the plants adequate space, water, pruning and drainage, plus fungicide if needed. A dwarf variety of yaupon holly is the Nana cultivar which has compact, rounded growth. Camphor shoot borers are an introduced species of ambrosia beetle that attack small-diameter branches and trunks of stressed, weakened, and dying trees. The distinguishable feature of this holly is its long, drooping leafy stalks. The best defense against canker is prevention. The longstalk holly bush is a broadleaved evergreen plant with glossy green smooth leaves without any serration or spines on the edges. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for both print and digital media. 18 Types of Holly Bushes. Avoid the use of spray pesticides (both insecticides and fungicides), as well as soil-applied, systemic insecticides unless absolutely necessary. Holly tree berries: Yaupon holly tree berries are showy burgundy or red drupes that grow in large clusters. The identifiable feature of Chinese holly trees is their unusual rectangular leaves with two to four spikes that look like bull horns. Dip your cutting tools in a 10 percent bleach solution. An insecticidal spray containing one of the following active ingredients will reduce damage by adult spittlebugs: acephate, bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, or permethrin. The fungus Thielaviopsis basicola causes black root rot. Because holly berries are poisonous, its best not to plant holly bushes where children play. An additive to balance the pH level of the trees soil will correct this condition and stop the spread of chlorosis. Tar spot occurs when the airborne fungus Phacidium curtisii attacks the plant. Control: Naturally occurring predators of mites include various predatory mites, ladybird beetles, and other insects. After approximately a month, the nymphs become winged adults, which also feed upon turfgrass sap. Always plant hollies on well-draining soil or raised beds, making sure the top of the root ball is slightly higher than the surrounding soil. The popular English holly tree is famous for its dark glossy green prickly leaves, clusters of bright red berries, and winter decorations. Cankers cause spots on the stems, which undetected will cause the plant to die. The English holly is usually used for Christmas decorations in Europe. Fungicides cannot control this fungus. It is vital to clean your tools between cuts to keep from spreading the disease. While holly bushes are common additions to the landscape and generally quite hardy, these attractive shrubs occasionally suffer from their share of holly bush diseases, pests, and other problems. Thiophanate-methyl is effective against most diseases, including leaf spot and holly leaf blight as well as anthracnose. Leafminer damage on American holly (Ilex opaca).Daniel Herms, The Ohio State University, www.forestryimages.org. For more information, contact the Clemson Extension Home & Garden Information Center. An infected holly will have dark brown to black roots; the fungus works its way back from the tips. Leafminer damage has neither a gray center nor a purple halo. Holly pit scale (Asterolecanium puteanum) is a pest on American, Burford, Japanese, and Yaupon hollies. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. You're dealing with leaf rust when you see orange, gold, or reddish spots rupturing leaf surfaces. Holly tree fungus problems are more prevalent among stressed or weakened plants. They rarely kill established trees, but they may cause severe growth deformities. By Michael J. Skvarla. Drought Damage: Holly leaves often turn yellow or brown during a sudden drought period. Plant a mix of species, and if pest damage or tree diseases occur, it will be confined to a few plants instead of spreading through the entire landscape. Yaupon holly (I. vomitoria) and American holly (I. opaca) are moderately resistant, while Japanese hollies (I. crenata) are very susceptible to black root rot. Each larva constructs a bag that covers its entire body. Adult beetle traps may lure more beetles than you already have in your garden. Plants are stunted and have branch dieback. Evergreen American holly trees are also called the Christmas holly. Conferences. Learn more about these holly bush problems with the information found in this article. Lets look in more detail at common varieties of holly trees suitable for evergreen winter landscapes. Overall, hollies are very hardy plants that will live a long time to brighten your garden. This publication provides information and general management recommendations for Florida wax scale, tea scale, Cylindrocladium leaf spot, dieback, . The size of a canker can range from a small lesion on a branch to a massive dead area on the plant's trunk. More like this White Christmas Tree Skirt Christmas Tree Toppers Lighted Star Christmas Lights Hanging Christmas Tree Christmas Decorations Protect surrounding plants with a fungicide. The inkberry holly shrub has leathery obovate leaves, inconspicuous yellow flowers, and jet-black berries growing abundantly among evergreen foliage. Crawlers can be controlled with Orthene, Diazinon, or malathion. 2. are grown throughout the United States. They may also eat large holes in flower petals. Neem oil extract or botanical oil sprays may also reduce plant damage by repelling many insect pests. Do not use those with blackened roots. Diseased stems and branches become swollen and enlarged, and an excessive number of shoots will sprout vertically from the infected areas. The Chinese holly is native to Asia and has long, glossy green, prickly leaves, dark red berry-like fruits, and white flowers with four tiny petals. The Nellie Stevens holly tree has a conical shape of dense, dark green, glossy foliage, bright red berries, and white spring flowers. Coniothyrium rarely causes serious damage, but the holly's leaves will turn yellow and drop early. The dwarf shrubs have all the recognizable features of the larger bushes and trees. They occur in the spring during periods when the weather is cool and moist. Leaves yellow and brown spots develop. Remove the infected plant. Perform a soil drench every four to 12 weeks during the spring and summer where preventing root rots is a concern. Apart from its prickly, lanceolate leaves, the identifying feature of the oakleaf holly tree is its orangey-red berries that stay on the evergreen tree throughout winter. Prevention & Treatment: Hollies grown under stress are much more sensitive to root rot disease than are well-maintained, vigorous plants. Thoroughly water the area immediately. The adult is about a -inch long and brown with two orangish-red stripes on the wings. Good cultural practices, such as proper fertilization, control of soil moisture, and providing good drainage (raised beds), will reduce the disease. Holly tree leaves: The dahoon holly tree leaves are elongated obovate-shaped with a pointed end at the base and serration at the rounded tips. Iron deficiency occurs when the pH balance of the soil is out of balancing. The drainage of existing areas can be improved by using raised beds. The fungus thrives in areas with poor drainage and warm soils. All Rights Reserved. Sign up for our newsletter. The holly, its bright-red berries a favorite symbol of winter, is one of the most popular landscape trees. The 6 Most Common Apple Tree Diseases and How to Prevent Them, 10 Common Tomato Plant Diseases That Can Wreck Your Crop, How to Prevent Powdery Mildew on Squash Plants for a Healthy Crop, Try These Garden Pest Control Methods to Prevent Common Invaders, Leaf Curl on Apple Trees Is a Sign of DiseaseHere Are the Causes, How to Spot 6 Common Plant Diseases and Keep Your Garden Healthy, 13 Common Garden Pests and Diseases You Should Target ASAP, How to Get Rid of Cucumber Beetles on Your Plants. Control: It can be hard to determine the cause of these symptoms, and treatment would be different depending on the cause. Overall, hollies are very hardy plants that will live a long time to brighten your garden. Typically, yellowing of the leaves (particularly at the shoot tips), early leaf drop, slowed plant growth, and twig dieback are seen at early stages of the disease. The adult female inserts eggs into young leaves through puncture wounds made by her ovipositor. You should maintain a list of the commonly occurring holly tree diseases and their appearance to identify them and address infections. Two-lined Spittlebug: Two-lined Spittlebug (Prosapia bicincta) is primarily an insect pest of Southern turfgrasses, especially centipedegrass and St. Augustinegrass, but also of certain trees and shrubs. The plants flowers can help identify female holly plants apart from male flowers. Holly leaf damage from adult feeding can be leaf distortion, wilting, discoloration of younger leaves, blotches on older leaves, and leaf-drop. Scales are unusual insects in appearance. The result is a slow decline characterized by reduced vigor, yellowing or bronzing of the leaves, stem dieback, failure to respond to water or fertilizer ,and eventual death. This fungus can kill a holly. Size: 20 to 30 ft. (6 10 m) tall and up to 15 ft. (15 m) wide. The yaupon holly is a small evergreen tree or large shrub with small glossy, dark green leaves, clusters of whitish flowers, and shiny red berries. He has worked as a handyman for various individuals since 2013, with a focus on lawn care and home renovation. Holly tree leaves: Eagleston holly tree leaves are green ovate leaves and sometimes have tiny short yellowish spines along the margins. Sprinkle it on monthly, from mid-spring to early fall, over the feeding root area, which aligns with the main branch tips. are a popular landscape plant in the United States. Pesticides are updated annually. Male ilex aquifolium flower (left) and female flowers (right). Plants with extensive root rot damage will usually decline and die during dry periods. Phytophthora Root Rot: The water mold fungi, Phytophthora cinnamomi, and other Phytophthora species cause root rot on hollies growing in very poorly drained sites or wet areas. Why Are the Leaves Turning Brown on Holly Bushes? 4. The presence of many punctures can result in deformed leaves. Size: 20 ft. (6 m) tall and 14 ft. (4.2 m) wide. Practice cultural techniques to prevent or reduce the incidence of plant diseases, including pre-plant soil improvement, proper plant spacing, crop rotation, applying mulch, applying lime and fertilizer based on soil test results, and avoiding overhead irrigation and frequent watering of established plants. (Image credit: Tom Meaker/Alamy Stock Photo) Canker is a fungal disease that causes areas of bark to crumble and die back. Sort by: Most popular. To ensure you get bright red berries, you need to plant a male and female holly tree. From appraisals to zoning, Michelle makes real estate information accessible to everyone. In rare cases, species of holly plants produce green or yellow berries. American Holly. Blue holly is a large shrub or small tree with glossy green, pointed leaves with spines on the margins and shiny crimson red berries. Choose plants that are well-suited to your site. Holly tree berries: English holly tree berries are yellow, orange, burgundy, or red. Ilex, or holly, It is a genus of small, evergreen trees with smooth, glabrous, or pubescent branchlets. Purple Leaf Scorch: The most common leaf discoloration is a purplish blotch due to the environment rather than a fungus. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". The evergreen Japanese holly tree is one of the hardiest holly trees and is relatively resistant to disease. Insecticides labeled for homeowner use against scale crawlers include acephate, malathion, cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, permethrin, and bifenthrin. Most diseases of holly can be attributed to fungus. Holly shrubs also make ideal security hedges due to their sharp, spiked leaves and dense foliage. Fungicides, Insecticides & Miticides to Control Diseases & Pests of Hollies. Amend the soil to improve drainage and replace the tree with a resistant variety. Control: When planting new trees and shrubs, choose resistant varieties. See Table 1 for examples of products containing these active ingredients. In addition, spiky, evergreen foliage and clusters of red berries make dwarf holly shrubs popular for winter gardens. Their usual size is 15 to 25 feet high and 8 to 10 feet wide. Holly tree berries: Japanese holly tree berries are large, black, rounded fruits that look like large blackcurrants. Larvae pupate in the bags. Holly bushes can contract both black root root and Phytophthora root rot from water-born fungal pathogens in the soil. Holly tree berries: American holly tree berries are shades of orange to red and grow among the evergreen foliage from September until February. Damage: Tips of infected branches may hang down.
Barbara Klein & Krista Schweiggl