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Posted by GillyMidz (U15184924) on Tuesday, 13th March 2012
I have noticed that there is lichen growing on the woody stems of my azaleas and rhododendrons. This seems to be successfully killing my shrubs. Could anyone suggest a cause and a remedy for this problem please?
Lichen shows you have excellent air quality (ie low pollution) and is nothing to worry about. It cannot kill or otherwise harm your shrubs.
Lichen is a cause for celebration - as has been said it's a sign of good air quality. Something else is killing your shrubs - what are the symptoms?
Lichen is a cause for celebration - as has been said it's a sign of good air quality. Something else is killing your shrubs - what are the symptoms?Â
The symptoms are dropped foliage leaving bare dead stems. Remaining scant foliage is yellowed with some black spots. If it's not the lichen causing this problem, could it be the ph of the soil is not acid enough for the shrubs?
The most obvious reason is Azalea leaf spot, a fungal infection in wet conditions. Try to improve the air flow around the plants. Dispose of leaves that have fallen off as they will contain spores of the fungus. Give it a good mulch with ericacious compost where normally the fallen leaves would have been. Do not use tap water in a dry period and always water on the soil rather than the Azaleas.
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