Question by Marianna C.
My viburnum hedge is unhappy, with dead dried holes in some leaves, and some discolouration of other leaves. Please advise
Sarah's answer
This is most likely a fungal disease, as many are common to viburnums. It is important to water at the base of the hedge and not the leaves to reduce the risk of fungal diseases, however in rainy seasons, this is unavoidable so other good garden hygiene practices should be used, such as raking up fallen leaves and throwing them out in the rubbish or burning them. Prune to improve air flow, remembering to clean your tools between plants to avoid spreading disease, and regularly spray with a fungicide, following the directions on the packet, to try to regain control.
Many fungal issues are a minor annoyance. When the ideal climatic situation that they find themselves in changes, the problem recedes. Others, on the other hand, can be more of a problem and can end up defoliating an entire hedge, so it is a good idea to investigate problems as soon as you see them, so they don’t get out of control. It would also be a good idea to take images to a local nursery or garden centre to try to identify if this is a common problem in your local area. If so, they should be able to directed you to the most appropriate solution available.
I hope this helps.
Cheers Sarah
