As your Red Tip Photinia (Glanzmispel) settles in, those vibrant red new shoots eventually fade into a deep green. If you suddenly start noticing red spots popping up on that green foliage, it’s totally normal to feel a bit of “plant parent” anxiety. But don’t panic just yet—most of the time, these spots are actually harmless!
What’s causing those red spots?
On evergreen Photinia varieties, red spots show up every now and then. Usually, you’ll see them in the spring on the previous year’s leaves. Most of the time, this isn’t a disease at all; it’s just the plant showing signs of stress. A common culprit is a long, freezing winter that hit right after a particularly warm autumn.
However, sometimes fungal infections are the real troublemakers. You can usually tell the difference because fungal spots often have a distinct dark border. This is known as Leaf Spot Disease, and it loves damp, humid weather. If left untreated, it can do some real damage. Keep an eye out for yellowish or brown spots too, as these are also signs of a fungal issue.
How do I fix it?
If the spots are just caused by environmental stress, the best thing you can do is… nothing! In this case, using pesticides or fungicides can actually do more harm than good. Just stick to your regular watering and fertilizing routine, and your Photinia should bounce back on its own.
Leaf Spot Disease, on the other hand, needs a bit more attention. You’ll want to prune off any infected leaves and shoots and toss them straight into the trash. Never put infected plant parts in your compost pile! Many pathogens can survive the composting process and will just end up spreading all over your garden once you spread that compost later.
The Quick Rundown:
- Causes: Stress, frost damage, or fungal infection.
- Stress Relief: Stick to good (but not excessive) care.
- Fungal Fix: Remove all infected parts and dispose of them properly.
- Prevention: Keep stress to a minimum, avoid letting water sit on the leaves, and keep the plant healthy.
Pro Tip: To keep your Photinia happy and spot-free in the future, give it some extra frost protection during the winter and try to avoid getting the leaves wet when watering.
