Why are the leaves on my shrubs turning black?

Black leaves on the branches of a shrub are unsightly and can be caused by factors that lead to an overall decline in plant health. The most common cause of black leaves is a mold caused by fungi that coat the leaves, called sooty mold.

Does aucuba grow in full sun?

Winter hardy to USDA Zones 7-9 where this shrub is best grown in moist, organically rich, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Plants need significant amounts of shade in hot summer climates (young leaves will often burn in full sun).

Can you cut back aucuba?

Due to the slow growth rate, Aucuba japonica rarely requires trimming. Although the plant needs little maintenance, it does respond well to pruning to maintain size and a compact form. The plant is a broadleaf evergreen, which should be pruned in early spring for best results.

What conditions do aucuba like?

Planting and Growing Aucuba japonica Will grow in most soils, in full sun or partial shade. Thrives in almost any situation. Will tolerate deep shade, however, good berry production and variegation are better in more open positions.

How often do you water aucuba?

The advantage of slow growth is that the plant rarely needs pruning. Clean up plants as necessary by snipping off broken, dead, and diseased foliage and twigs. Aucuba shrubs have moderate drought tolerance, but they grow best in moist soil. Water often enough to keep the soil moderately moist using cold water.

How quickly does aucuba grow?

Laurel. Aucuba japonica ‘Crotonifolia’ is a versatile evergreen shrub suitable for almost anywhere in the garden. Slow-growing, it will only reach 1.8m after 10 years if left unpruned.

When should aucuba be pruned?

Best timing for all pruning is end of winter — late March through about mid-April, just before new growth begins. A little neatening can be done later in spring through mid-summer, but knock off all pruning from mid-summer through winter.

Can you hard prune aucuba japonica?

prune back hard in mid May, remove all the prunings and in all likelihood the plant will bounce back with new growth in a month or so. accept the fact that the position of the plant is the cause, dig it up and plant something there which can cope better.

Why are the leaves on my Aucuba turning black?

One of their most serious complaints, aucuba blackening, occurs during wet winters on plants in poorly drained soils. As their roots succumb to excessive moisture, the shrubs’ new leaves develop black, saturated tips. Immediate remedies include pruning the affected foliage and encouraging healthy new growth with a dose…

Why are my Aucubas wilting in my garden?

A: If it makes you feel any better, some of my aucubas are doing the same thing. They are suffering from Phytophthora root rot, a soil disease that commonly affects azalea, rhododendron and aucuba shrubs. The fungus itself is present in most soils. There is no way to eliminate it.

Why are some of my Aucuba plants dying?

Either you are having a harsh winter, there is stress (most likely drought) on the plant, or you have an infestation of the little sneaky scale insect (common on Acuba. Much gardening and other advice at http://www.newleafplants.com under the articles link

Why are the leaves on my spotted laurel turning black?

Join the RHS. Aucuba (spotted laurel) is recommended for its robustness and ability to grow in dry, shaded sites. However, despite this reputation, Aucuba can become stressed such as when its roots become waterlogged during cold, wet winters, for example, and as a result the leaves and shoot tips turn black.