Honeysuckle Bush Limbs Look Dried Out And Leaves Look Dead Almost Overnight

Question From: J. Zeddies - Surprise, Arizona, United States
Q: Our Honeysuckle bush seems to be dying almost over night. Whole limbs look dried out and leaves look dead. Can not see any bugs or mildew. Watering has been the same for last couple years. It happens so fast we can not figure out what is going on. We had three and lost one the same way last year. Our weather is still hot (90) day time and high 60's at night.

A: Sounds like Sudden Oak Death that also attacks honeysuckles. Phytophthora ramorum is a disease caused by a fungus-like microorganism. I recommend you remove the shrub immediately and dispose of everything and clean up all debris around it. Sanitize your tools with 1 part bleach 9 parts water. Check with your local independent nursery as to what you may be able to do to protect the remaining plants. Best Nancy and thanks for checking out Yardener.com.