I have recently moved and was dismayed to see that the blueberry bushes I brought with me have developed red leaves. They are in pots. I read that this can be a fungus that overwinters on spruce trees. Unfortunately we have one out the front and one in the Back garden. Is there any hope for my blueberries with these trees being in fairly close proximity? Garden isn’t massive. Apparently the only pesticide that kills it is banned in the UK. However, I don’t use them anyway because of the environment and especially the bees. Has anyone got any suggestions I might try (other than removing the trees - as too large really). I’d be grateful for any comments.
Good afternoon Elizabeth, regarding your move that may well be the evidence in this matter of red leaves. Environmental changes can cause plants to react and if you are watering from tap water then stop immediatly as Blueberries do not like alkaline soil or hard water that we have in the South of England. They do well in a PH of around 5.5 and should be watered with rain water only. But if a drout then you have to do it. Blueberries turn a most beautiful red in the Autumn and as yours might be in stress, this is what you are seeing early. They are very hardy if given the correct conditions, so do not worry unduly. Do not over water because you think they need it. Many plants are killed with kindness this way. Water regularly and do not allow the soil to dry out. But that does not mean drown them. If the soil feels a little dry then water. It should feel just moist to the touch. Hope this is of some help
Thank you for that info. Admittedly I have been watering them with tap water, but I’ll use rain water in future. Gives me hope that they may settle down & return to health eventually