Why Does My Hebe Shrub Look Unhealthy?

Does the plant wilts, leaves turning brown or pale yellow?

Are the older leaves turning yellow and wilting, an overall decline in plant vigor is apparent?

Are the leaves yellowing, wilting and, dying?

Are there any small, angular, gray-brown spots with defined darker red-brown margins on leaves?

Are the leaves curled and distorted?

These symptoms are most likely caused by Fusarium wilt. There is no cure for Fusarium wilt, so the infected plants should be destroyed. Do not plant chickpeas or any susceptible plants to Fusarium wilt in the same spot for several years.

These symptoms indicate fungal disease Verticillium wilt. Verticillium infects a wide range of plant species. Destroy all infected plants, as there is no cure. Prevent problems by presoaking seed in a 10 percent bleach solution.

Yellow leaves that wilt and die usually indicate Root rot. Several pathogens can be the cause of root rots. Poorly drained, overly wet soil promotes rot so choose well-drained sites and add organic matter to improve drainage. Remove and destroy infected plants.

These symptoms indicate fungal disease - Septoria leaf spot. Remove and destroy infected plant debris. Don't handle or brush against plants when they are wet. Rotate plantings. Remove weeds growing nearby.

Distorted and curled leaves are caused by aphids. These tiny insects cluster under leaves and on growing tips where they feed on plant sap. Leaves, stems, and buds get distorted and later leaves and flowers drop from the plant. You can control them by washing them off the plant with water spray. Insecticidal soap should be used with severe infestations.

Yellow leaves covered by small bumps are caused by scales. These tiny, shelled insects often feed on the undersides of the leaves, causing an unhealthy appearance with yellowish blotches on the upper leaf surfaces. Scrape off minor infestations with your fingernail. Prune out badly infested growth, or use a soft brush and soapy water to gently scrub the scales off the stems. Control scales by spraying insecticidal oil during the growing season.