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Pyracantha diseased?! Help!

alina-nalina-n Posts: 3
in Problem solving
Hi all 

I’ve recently noticed that our beloved Pyracantha plant which has been there for many years appears to be diseased. 

The leaves have turned brown and crispy, easily pulled off and parts of the plant are starting to become bare. 

I’m not sure if it’s a case of leaf blight as we’re very new to gardening but would appreciate any help or advice. Does anyone have any experience with dealing with an issue like this? I’ve heard it needs to be cut back drastically if it is indeed leaf blight? 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated as we really don’t want to lose it

Thank you guys!

ps sorry for the bad images

Posts

  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    Pyracantha shrubs are usually tough once established. However, the last few years have been tough for many evergreen shrubs. Drought stress can sometimes take up to a year to show up. Dried hanging leaves are signs of die-back, and you will need to trace these branches back to prune back to wood that is still alive.

    Fire-blight bacterial infection is also another problem that can affect Pyracantha. Again, leaves will slowly wilt and end up dried up often hanging off the branches. The only way to halt this is to prune back into wood that is not affected. Check the branches for damage or oozing. The idea is to prune far back to wood not affected.
  • alina-nalina-n Posts: 3
     Borderline said:
    Pyracantha shrubs are usually tough once established. However, the last few years have been tough for many evergreen shrubs. Drought stress can sometimes take up to a year to show up. Dried hanging leaves are signs of die-back, and you will need to trace these branches back to prune back to wood that is still alive.

    Fire-blight bacterial infection is also another problem that can affect Pyracantha. Again, leaves will slowly wilt and end up dried up often hanging off the branches. The only way to halt this is to prune back into wood that is not affected. Check the branches for damage or oozing. The idea is to prune far back to wood not affected.
    Thank you for your reply! 

    Do you think there would be any benefit to using Neem Oil or any fertilisers to try to revive it after cutting back? 

    Someone also suggested a water based pesticide?

    Many thanks
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    In my experience, it would not harm feeding the shrub after pruning back if already established. But in most cases though, long-term plants such as shrubs/trees, only really need a good layer or compost worked in. A thick layer of bark mulch on top will help seal in moisture during the hot summer months, whilst keeping the roots cool. In the winter, it will keeping splash backs and dampness off the top part of the soil. As for Neem oil, I have never tried it, so someone may have an opinion on that.
  • alina-nalina-n Posts: 3
    Thank you very much! Will try your suggestions 
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