Red Robin Shrub

moonpenny

Got a small "Red Robin" bush that has developed lard dark spots all over the leaves.
Can't see any creepy crawleys or anything, could it be frost damage?

valentina

It could be black spot - ours had it, but I cut it back last spring and it has recovered now. Could also be caused by the bad weather, or if the plant is planted in heavy soil.

Davesnave

Fairly detailed advice here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/lancashire/content/articles/2008/01/08/red_robin_feature.shtml

including
Liz Hollins asks...

I purchased a very large Photinia last year and it has not done at all well and has now got black spot. I have had people from the garden centre out to look at it and they keep recommending various things and I am currently treating it with roseclear for the black spot. The soil is heavy clay but I have kept it fed with fertiliser. It is looking very straggly do you think it will recover and do you think I am within my rights to get it exchanged as it has a guarantee? It was planted in April 2007.
Bill replies...

You will usually find with Photinias Liz that during the winter months on the older leaves quite often you will get black spots and discolouring and, this is mainly due to physical and winter conditions. But, I am afraid that Photinias do not like being planted in a very heavy clay soil and if your ground has been water logged over the winter months this could be the reason why your plant is looking unhealthy. Also, if your plant is looking very straggly it may be worthwhile pruning back to encourage new shoots to appear but I would not recommend that you do this before consulting with the Garden Centre from where you purchased your plant.

moonpenny

Thanks all! for advice

Mine was planted last yr in sandy soil but in quite a shaded area.

It is sprouting buds and looks O.K. apart from the discoloured leaves. Think I might try moving it to a sunnier spot.