Okay, I've had these plants in the ground for about a month or so and I think the landscapers gave us sick plants to begin with and they burried several of the bottom branches in the mulch. I've taken off about twenty leaves per baby bush that have turned red with little black spots and dug out the buried branches. I assumed this was a fungus of some kind so I added quite a bit of corn meal to the beds. Now several of the leaves on the topmost portions of the plants are turning this coppery color. Is this normal? I am going to mix up some garret juice and garlic this afternoon and spray it - should this be done in the morning or afternoon?

In advance, thanks!
Christina

Christina,

Without looking at the plants, I'll say I think you're fine. I have several established Indian Hawthornes and I have a number of reddish (perhaps viewed by some a copperish) colored leaves. Mine still have a number of berries left.

I like these shrubs and have had them at both of our homes. With the exception of the really cold Winter we had (back in the 80s) I have found these to be very hard plants. I keep the beds mulched and have rarely added supplemental water. I try to remember to toss a few handfuls of fertilizer to them when I do the lawn. The birds really do enjoy the berries.

Thanks for your help Mr. Clean. I guess I'll just keep removing the black spotted leaves as I find them and spray occasionally with garrett juice and cornmeal. Can I ask you how big your plants get? I can't wait for these to bloom.

Christina

Christina,
Is it possible for you to post some pictures. I would love to see your Indian Hawthornes. I am thinking of using them as a hedge around my porch.

Christina,

Mine are somewhere between 30"-36" high and about that wide. I just noticed today the blooms are setting and seem about to open.

Good luck and keep us posted on yours.