What Is Wrong With My Coralbells?

Are the leaf margins notched, roots are damaged?

Do the leaves have large, ragged holes in them?

Do the leaves have spots on them?

Do the leaves have circular brown spots on them?

Does the whole plant look stunted, yellowed with galls on roots?

Are the leaves covered with white powdery patches?

Do the crowns and roots rot, an unpleasant odor may be present?

Are the leaves pale on their upper side and are there any dusty blisters on the undersides?

Black Vine Weevil (Otiorhynchus sp.) is a large beetle whose adults and larvae feed on coralbells. This beetle is not particularly choosy about its dietary plan. Beetles and larvas are very stubborn and occur especially in dry and raw humus-rich soils. Place flowerpots filled with wood wool near falling plants. The beetles will accumulate in the pot and then they can be collected and destroyed. The larvas can be fought most effectively with parasitic nematodes.

Large, ragged holes in the leaves are caused by slugs and snails. Slugs and snails feed on the plant leaves usually at night. To control slugs and snails use diatomaceous earth around your plants. You can also handpick them during the night or use shallow dishes filled with beer as a trap.

Bacterial leaf spot causes circular brown spots on leaves. These spots turn brownish-black and may spread to form large patches of dead tissue. To prevent the spread of this disease, avoid working around wet plants. Remove and destroy affected parts. Spray Bordeaux mix on remaining plants.

Your plants might be suffering from fungal leaf spots. Spots may enlarge rapidly, especially in wet weather. Destroy infected leaves or plants. Spray plants with sulfur to prevent the disease from spreading, especially if the weather is wet. Prevent problems by thinning plants to provide good air circulation.

If the whole plant looks stunted, and the roots have tiny galls on them the culprits are Root-knot nematodes. Prevent root-knot nematodes by applying chitin or introducing parasitic nematodes to the soil before planting. Solarizing the soil also helps in preventing root-knot nematodes. Adding lots of compost to the soil will encourage fungi that attack nematodes.

White, powdery coating on the leaves is caused by a fungal disease Powdery mildew. Powdery mildew usually appears in damp places. Encourage good air circulation around the affected plants by thining any surrounding plants. Water plants from bellow to keep foliage dry. Any affected leaves should be cut off and removed. Any commercial fungicidal spray will protect your plant from further infections.

Coralbells can occasionally be infected by fungal Crown or Root rot diseases. Crown injury and excess moisture during dormancy also increase the chances of infection. Choose well-drained sites. Add organic matter to improve soil drainage. Keep winter mulch away from crowns. Remove and discard infected plants and the surrounding soil.

Likely cause for these symptoms is a fungal disease - Rust. Provide good air circulation around plants by thining them. Avoid making leaves wet when watering. All infected leaves should be removed. Spray leaves with sulfur early in the season to prevent rust or to treat mild infections.

If the flowers of coralbells don't have bells, the problem may lay in poor growing conditions. Too much fertilizer, excessive heat, lack of water or too much sun may be the cause. Coral bells do best in areas that are in shade in the afternoon.