Fragrant , showy outpouring flowers , blue - blackberriesand dense , glossy evergreen foliation rankthorn - freeIndian hawthorns ( Rhaphiolepis indica ) among the most suitable affectionate - clime shrub . Suitable for USDA plant hardiness zones 8 through 11 , they ’re specially appealing as low - maintenance hedging . If Indian haw have a drawback , it ’s exposure to diseases . We look at them and their prevention or direction .
Fungal Diseases
Spring may be when Indian hawthorns put on their respectable show , but it ’s also when modest temperature and regular rain let loose a smorgasbord of fungal spore in the garden . What ’s frustrative about this arrangement is that fungal disease symptoms oft do n’t coat until well after the original attack .
Entomosporium and Verticillium fungus commonly taint Amerind hawthorn .
Entomosporium Leaf Spot
There ’s no way around it : Entomosporium fungi love Indian haw leaves . You ’ll know they ’ve found your shrubs if their leaves have round , red spots . At first , they develop white , spore - filled centers and sensationalistic borders . Without treatment , they blend into teetotal , deadened patches .
Entomosporium spreads when air current or splattering water carries spores from antecedently infected leaves to sizable I . It ’s most likely to target the shrub ’s new spring development .
To forestall an Entomosporium irruption :
Verticillium Wilt
Verticillium wilting fungi plan of attack Indian haw through new or damage origin . When they move through the vascular organisation , the shrub respond by producing a sticky substance to block their progress .
The downside is that the gum also keeps wet and food from moving through the plants . As the summer progresses , their ramification droop . Their foliage fade , curl and turn blood-red or yellowed along the nervure . On many shrubs , the damage is throttle one side .
Verticillium wilt is potentially fatal , but these spry activity may preserve your shrubs :
Expert nurseryman ’s peak : After working with Verticillium - infested plants , always disinfect your peter to keep them from contaminate tidy ones .
Bacterial Disease
flaming blight bacteria also taint Indian hawthorn during wet , warm springs . They ooze out from canker on idle barque where they ’ve spent the wintertime . Insects and splashing piss spread them to the flowers and young leafage , which wilt and nigrify as if fervor scorched . Untreated plants finally drop dead .
To forbid an outbreak , withdraw the cankered branches in winter or summer . Do n’t piss blooming Indian hawthorn and prune or fertilize them only when utterly necessary . Too much of either stimulates blight - susceptible fresh growth .
