Blue Holly Stems Are Yellow And Have No Leaves Except At Ends

Question From: T. Goulde - Massachusetts, United States
Q: I have never seen this problem with holly before. These are female blue holly and have been in the ground for a couple years (two attempts to establish a male companion in the same bed have been completely unsuccessful). The female holly seemed to be doing well enough but this year their stems are yellow and bare of leaves except at their tips. They look sick. What is wrong with them? The holly are in a garden I tend in Arlington MA. I am worried about communicating any disease to my holly hedge at home.

A: Could well be two tough winters - drying winds and extended cold. If new leaves have not emerged they will die as they are not making food. Wash your tools before working on your garden. Best Nancy