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White marks

Eileen107Eileen107 Posts: 94
in Problem solving
Morning, can anyone advise on what these white marks are on my beautiful Palmatum 
‘Bloodgood’ please. Nothing comes off on my fingers if I gently rub over them. I also haven’t used any sprays anywhere near it & only water the compost & not the leaves.
Thank you
Eileen107

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Posts

  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    Did you water it when the sun was strong? They might be scorch marks. It could happen after rain too.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    edited May 2023
    Raindrops or water on leaves from watering cannot cause scorch marks on plants. It's a myth.

    I can't be sure what the problem is but most likely it's physical damage - possibly hail sometime over the last few weeks?
    There's a slight resemblance to powdery mildew, but I'm not so sure about that.
    If the white patches grow larger, then mildew is more likely.

    Ps I found this pic of an acer with Powdery Mildew, so see what happens with yours.



    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    Pete.8 said:
    Raindrops or water on leaves from watering cannot cause scorch marks on plants. It's a myth.
    I have always watered when it suits me; often in full sun.   I have seen spots that I assumed were hardness salts after evaporation.    Any slight leaf damage might encourage mildew.

    I have though, always accepted the myth.  I will now give the subject a more scientific appraisal.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    edited May 2023
    There are many articles that you will be able to find.
    Most recently (13th May 2023) there was an article in New Scientist that explains why this is not possible.
    I do subscribe to the mag and here is the link, but I'm not sure if it's available to non-subscribers.

    https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25834380-800-why-watering-your-plants-at-midday-wont-damage-their-leaves/

    There's also an obvious observation - why don't all trees and plants have the same damage - they're all out in the sun and rain.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    I stand corrected - I think.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    For most of my gardening life I also thought it was true that raindrops can scorch leaves. 
    But we all live and learn :)

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    I think it is mildew.
  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546
    If it has been hot and dry where you are it might be worth giving the tree some extra water - mildew often shows up when plants are feeling stressed. A can or two right down at the roots might help it feel happier and solve the problem.
  • Eileen107Eileen107 Posts: 94
    Thank you everyone for your answers. For those who asked I only water in the evening & only water the compost.I do hope it is not mildew as I’ve only had for about a month. Also we haven’t had any rain for at least 3 weeks now. I live in the south of UK.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    edited May 2023
    It may have been left dry in the nursery for some time and then got a soaking. That may have triggered mildew.
    Even if it is, it's very unlikely to kill your tree.
    Now that you can care for it yourself, you can make sure it gets enough water (rainwater if poss).
    It may not look great atm, but it should improve over the next few months and there's no reason it should appear next year if the watering is right.

    PS - A once a month feed with seaweed extract during the growing season will do a lot to keep it in good health.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
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