Plant Doctor Archive

Brown leaves on Pyracantha

Question SOME of the leaves on my Pyracantha have turned brown and withered. What is causing this and what can I do?

Answer THIS sounds like fireblight, which is common among pyracanthas and cotoneasters. Infected plants can appear to have been scorched by a fire, hence the name. Shoots may also die back, particularly flowering spurs, and lesions can develop at their base. Once established, fireblight can kill mature trees within six months.

If your plant is small, dig it up and burn it, or put it in the rubbish bin. If your plant is large, cut out the infected shoots, taking out the whole branch, or cut at least 60 cm of healthy stem on either side. Spray with a copper-based spray.

Fireblight also affects apples, pears, hawthornes and Sorbus species.