Boston Ivy Has Black Spots On Leaves

Question From: C. Junod - Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States
Q: I have a Boston Ivy that has black spots on the leaves. I believe it may be black spot fungus. I have tried sprinkling garden lime around the roots as I do for my peony bushes but the black spots return every year on both Boston Ivy and the Peony bushes. What can I do to get rid of this?

A: Lime will do nothing for a fungal disease and in fact may make it worse as Boston Ivy prefers slightly acid to neutral soil. Take a sample to your local English Gardens for an accurate Id and recommendation for a broad spectrum fungicide. Before adding anymore lime to anything I would get a soil test . Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy