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Very unhappy laurel

laurajukFN-5HIKFlaurajukFN-5HIKF Posts: 10
in Problem solving
I’ve recently moved house and there seems to be quite a lot of blackspot in particular this variegated laurel is in a bad shape. It’s under a large apple tree and quite shaded. I tried taking off badly infected leaves and spraying but it’s not helping. I’m tempted to cut back infected bits but that might involve removing most leaves. What should I do? Thanks 

Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Can you post a photo?  Use the postcard icon and make sure the photo is below 2Mb or it won't load.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • laurajukFN-5HIKFlaurajukFN-5HIKF Posts: 10

  • laurajukFN-5HIKFlaurajukFN-5HIKF Posts: 10
    Doh. Forgot the photo- thanks
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Aucuba, or spotted laurel, are regarded as tough plants that do well i shade so it should be fine under your apple tree but they don't like wet soil, especially in winter and it can cause blackening of leaves.  No amount of spraying will fix that.

    I suggest you cut out the affected stems then fork loosely all round its base to remove any weeds, moss and crusty bits and give it a generous handful of general fertiliser such as pelleted chicken manure.  Give it a mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure and leave it for the soil organisms to work in.   Their actions will help improve aeration for the roots and also fertility and plant health.

    Have a read of this and follow the links for more info - https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/popular/aucuba/growing-guide
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • laurajukFN-5HIKFlaurajukFN-5HIKF Posts: 10
    Thanks will try that
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Please let us know how you get on.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
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