911±¬ÁÏ

The leaves (and shoot tips) develop moist blackened areas. There is no evidence that a pest or disease causes this and there is no need to apply pesticides

Pesticides are substances designed to kill or control the growth and behaviour of living organisms. They are also known as plant protection products and include insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and molluscicides. The 911±¬ÁÏ doesn’t support the use of pesticides and recommends that gardeners use non-chemical control options whenever needed. .

The blackening of the leaves is usually caused by root stress due to excess moisture levels in the soil during cold, wet winters . Other forms of stress, including root diseases (mainly phytophthora root rots ) might also be involved.

There are no chemicals to control (or prevent) Aucuba blackening. If it happens in your garden do the following:

• On established plants
  Established plants have been in their current location for two or three years and so have well-developed root systems able to support strong growth with healthy foliage and flowers. remove any affected foliage and shoots
• Encourage strong regrowth by applying a balanced general fertiliser such as growmore around the base of the plant in early spring

To prevent Aucuba blackening, try the following:

• Avoid planting Aucuba in areas prone to waterlogging
• Improve texture and drainage of heavy clay soils prior to planting by incorporating bulky organic matter such as composted bark
  Bark is the outermost layer of woody plants (trees, shrubs and woody climbers). It is several cells thick and provides protection against physical damage, disease and environmental stresses. Bark comes in a wide variety of colours and patterns, and these can help gardeners when identifying plants. The fissures and crevices of bark on older plants also creates valuable habitat for many garden creatures as well as lichens and small plants. , garden compost
  Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: • Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own. or well rotted farmyard manure to a larger area
• In wet districts planting on low, wide mounds, about 20cm (8in) high can help
• Mulching
  Mulch is a layer of material, at least 5cm (2in) thick, applied to the soil surface in late autumn to late winter (Nov-Feb). It is used to provide frost protection, improve plant growth by adding nutrients or increasing organic matter content, reducing water loss from the soil, for decorative purposes and suppressing weeds. Examples include well-rotted garden compost and manure, chipped bark, gravel, grit and slate chippings. with bulky organic matter can be also beneficial. Keep the base of the plant free from mulch
  Mulch is a layer of material, at least 5cm (2in) thick, applied to the soil surface in late autumn to late winter (Nov-Feb). It is used to provide frost protection, improve plant growth by adding nutrients or increasing organic matter content, reducing water loss from the soil, for decorative purposes and suppressing weeds. Examples include well-rotted garden compost and manure, chipped bark, gravel, grit and slate chippings.