I'd appreciate any help I can get. In June I planted 2 contorted filberts in large container pots. At first they thrived. Now I see that the leaves are covered with spots and holes. Some look like Swiss Cheese or lace. You can see through them. The trunks look fine. They get plenty of sun and water but not too much of either. I noticed black ants on the branches and leaves as well as spider webs. I don't see the evidence of the ants eating the leaves though. Is this some type of blight? Any suggestions on what I can do to save my contorted filberts? Thanks! Patricia
It'll be some other insect that is eating the leaves. Unlikely to be a serious problem, they can tolerate some leaf loss like this. Note that this plant is a cultivar of Hazel Corylus avellana 'Contorta', not of Filbert Corylus maxima.
Thanks for your note. I hope you are right. I really like the way those contorted filberts look on my patio! Patricia
In addition to posting on this site, I called the local garden center from whom I purchased the contorted filberts. They advised that Japanese Beetles are very prevalent in our area of Illinois right now and are responsible for the damage to the leaves. Japanese Beetle activity is concentrated over a four to six week period ending in late July. They chew out the tissue between the veins of the leaves which gives the leaf a lace-like, skeleton-like appearance. The nursery indicated that carbaryl (brand name Sevin) can be used to kill the Japanese beetles on contact but that it does not provide any residual protection. If you can keep a close eye on your garden during this period, you can spray the beetles directly, otherwise, there isn't much you can do. Moving the contorted filberts out of full sun during Japanese Beetle active time may help. Hope this helps others with the same problem with their contorted filberts! Good luck!
My 2 contorted Filberts, which I planted this spring (about 4 ft tall) were covered in Japanese Beatles a few weeks ago, sadly only about 1/3 of the leaves remain on each plant. I have now made large sacks out of a light netting matrial to try and and protect them further. I will remove them once the beatles have gone for the season and put them back next year before they appear! My husband also made a strong solution of vinegar and dish soap and this kills them fast! But it is so strong it can affect the leaves of some plants, so be warned! Also don't spray when it's windy as you don't want it in your eyes! I hope my plants survive the attack! Also please be careful with the product that contains Carbaryl (brand name Sevin). I have read that it is quite toxic and can harm birds and other animals, especially our honey bees (the bees bring the toxins back to the hive and the whole hive can suffer). Hope this may help.
