Question From: New Providence, New Jersey, United States
Q: I have a large (about 10ft high) andromeda pieris shrub. It is receives sun only in afternoon. The bottom branches have developed many (I pulled off about 30) leaves which are yellow with mostly two large black spots on pointed end. This shrub is over 35yrs old and is generally in very good condition. I also have seven small shrubs of same kind planted in 2014 which are in mostly shaded position which have no problems (these have pale pink flowers.) I had all shrubs sprayed six weeks ago because of lace bug, leaf miner on box woods and black vine weevil on laurels. What do you think could be causing this problem?
A: Black spots may be caused by black leaf disease. Neem oil would be a good product for control. Be sure to spray the undersides of the leaves. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy
