Cornelian cherries are incredibly tough and resilient, which is one of the reasons I love them—they almost never get sick! But even the sturdiest plants can have an off day. Let’s take a look at what a potential issue might look like and how you can get your shrub back on track.
Dealing with Fungi During Wet Weather
Generally speaking, Cornelian cherries rarely, if ever, have to deal with diseases. They are just naturally hardy. However, if you’re dealing with a particularly soggy, humid summer, you might notice a fungal infection popping up. The most common culprits are leaf spot and powdery mildew.
Symptoms of a Fungal Infection
If a fungus has decided to move in, your Cornelian cherry will usually let you know through its leaves. Keep an eye out for these tell-tale signs:
- Leaves curling up
- Yellowing or spotted discoloration
- A powdery white or gray coating
- Leaves drying out completely
- Premature leaf drop (losing more leaves than usual for the season)
How to Treat a Fungal Issue
If you spot a fungus, don’t panic! Here are a few ways to handle it:
- Apply mulch to the soil around your Cornelian cherry. This helps with nutrient absorption and improves drainage.
- Prune away any infected branches.
- Use a fungicide to knock out the infection. If you prefer the natural route (like I do!), try spraying the affected areas with a mixture of fresh milk, horsetail tea, yarrow tea, or fern broth. Keep up the treatment regularly until the fungus clears up.
What if the Fungus Keeps Coming Back?
Usually, a fungal bout is a one-time thing. But if your plant keeps getting sick, it’s time to play detective. Most of the time, the culprit is “wet feet”—soil that stays too damp. Make sure you improve the drainage and loosen up the soil around the base of the plant. In some cases, giving your plant a hard prune can also help rejuvenate it and improve airflow.
Pest-Free Gardening
Here’s the best news: there are no known pests that bother the Cornelian cherry! This is largely because the wood is incredibly hard. It’s so dense that bugs find it nearly impossible to make a home there or cause any real damage. It’s basically the “ironwood” of the fruit world!
