Expert: Edward Gulliksen - 7/26/2007

Question
I have two shamrock inkberrys, within the past month the leaves are turning bronze/dark brown and die.  I have cut more than half of the dead shrub on one plant.  The other one is affected also.  I sprayed with insecticide twice during the past month.  It didn't help.  I live in Pinehurt, NC.  Can they be saved?  They are about 9 yrs. old.

Thank you

Answer
Patricia,

From the description of the bronze leaves, I would suspect that the culprits are spider mites. I would recommend treating with a miticide- this is a specialized insecticide just for mites. Fertilization would also be helpful this fall to help strengthen the plants.

Good luck,
Ed Gulliksen