Nelly Stevens Holly Problem
by
Randy
+3
Pls see attached pics of NS Holly leaves. This plant was transplanted about 14 months and went through some stress following the transplant. I kept it well watered and it seemed to have recovered but I am noticing some spots on the leaves and what appears to be insect damage, although I don't find any insects on the leaves following multiple morning and evening inspections. Any comments/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Spent a lot of time/effort digging this up to move it to a better location away from the house. It was a typical 'wrong plant, wrong place' issue from the builder who apparently didn't know any better. This plant is roughly 6-8 years old and is about 8.5' tall. Really nice looking plant so I want to keep it!
Example of leaf spots.
Example of leaf damage.
6 answers
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Some chewing insects such as weevils go into the soil during day time hours and come out to feed after dark. Is the plant in a lot more sun? looks like some burn on one the leaves edges. It looks like you have a few things going on here. Maybe bacterial or viral along with insect chewing.
TRD Designs Ltd.
on Apr 02, 2013
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Randy, it looks like you might have a problem with holly leaf miners. Check this out from Maryland Cooperative Extension: http://www.hgic.umd.edu/_media/documents/publications/holly_leaf_miners.pdf
Douglas Hunt
on Apr 03, 2013
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Doug - thanks for the comment. I am wondering that myself. I have tried to look at things more closely to either build a case for the miners or discount them, and I haven't been able to do so. Still working on it!
Randy
on Apr 11, 2013
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The info I can find about leaf miners doesn't seem to explain the chewing issues on the leaves. That's the main reason I am a bit skeptical. Other than that, the leaf miners angle seems plausible.
Randy
on Apr 11, 2013
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Perhaps your plant is being double-teamed. You could always take a cutting that includes both issues, zip it up in a plastic bag and take it to your local extension office.
Douglas Hunt
on Apr 12, 2013
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@ Douglas - yep. I think that's what I am going to do. Considering I worked for years as a Master Gardener Volunteer, I prob should have gone that route sooner!
Randy
on Apr 16, 2013
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