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Camellia - Black Spots on Leaves

Mark-EMark-E Posts: 184
in Problem solving
Hi,

I was hoping someone could help identify the problem / treatment required for our camellia. We have four in a row but one of them has black spots on the leaves (see below).

Can anyone identify the problem and best treatment?

Thanks


Posts

  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    That looks like the mould that grows on the sugary deposits left by aphids, but it's an odd time of year for aphids. Are the plants outside? If you rub the black stuff gently, with a damp cloth, does it come off? Could there be scale insects on the underside of the leaves? I can't see any bugs in the picture.
  • Mark-EMark-E Posts: 184
    Hi Posy, thanks for your response.

    The black does rub off, but it would be a pain to do this to all leaves.  I have heard that the leaves drop off naturally in March when new growth comes through and so I assume there would be no need to wipe all the leaves?
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    Some leaves will drop off but you need to treat the cause. Are the plants outside? How have they got pests?
  • Mark-EMark-E Posts: 184
    They are outdoors. I had a look at the leaves and there was no immediate sign of any pests that I could see.
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    Bit of a mystery,  then! If you are lucky the aphids have died off and the rain will help to clean your shrub.
  • Mark-EMark-E Posts: 184
    Fingers crossed 🙂, otherwise I'll be scrubbing the leaves 😐. Thanks for your help.
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