We planted Nellie R Steven holly bushes across the back of our property, about 25 bushes total. About half of them are affected with a yellow leaves that are dropping and have small brown spots. They are all still developing flowers, but the leaves are dropping off all over. We planted all of them last September, so they haven't even been in the ground a year. We were told they were very hardy and not very susceptable to disease, and were fast growing. We are new to gardening as this is our first home, and we have gotten some mixed info elsewhere on the web. Can you help? What should we do? Thanks for any advice!
Spots implies it is a pathogenic condition, otherwise excessive leaf drop is often associated with watering problems. Take sample of infested parts to Master Gardener clinic at nursery or library, or try local Cooperative Extension office.
Sounds like trouble for your holly, like Ron says, too much water, not enough water, or planted too deep. Are they well rooted? Black blistering could be holly leaf miner, not likely though. Small black dots and yellowing foliage usually go together with lack of moisture reaching the leaves, for 1 of many reasons. Check to make sure that you don't have dirt too high around the trunk thats rotting it. Jim.
