Question
Q
I have a red photina thats leaves, in part of the bush, seemed like they were burnt. Is it a disease that these bushes can get? If I cut it back all the way, will all of the bush come out of it or should I get rid of the bush? The photina next to it is just fine.
Answer(s)
A
Photinias can get fire blight. This disease causes the leaves and/or twigs to look like they were burned. Drought or sun scorch can also cause burning on the leaves. If your shrub is against a heat absorbing brick or concrete wall, or a reflective surface, such as a white vinyl fence, the absorbed or reflected heat could cause burn damage.
There is an excellent article with photos of photinias with fire blight for you to compare with your shrub's symptoms. This article will also give suggestions to treat the disease. Go to Google and type in fire blight photinia (or the web site is:http://cahe.nmsu.edu/pubs/_a/a-230.html )
If you have further questions, you can call 851-8462
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