Dwarf Escallonia (Pink Pixie) Dying?

Hi All

I have a small hedge of Dwarf Escallonia's that were planted in Spring last year (September in Australia) and one of the plants has turned completely brown in a matter of days (have been watering as usual) and now I have noticed another one a few bushes up doing the same thing. It happens really fast, but the surrounding shrubs are still green. Its currently the middle of Autumn here in Sydney.

Does it have a disease? If so what is it and how can I save my plants!! Thanks all.

 

Hi BekkB, it is very unusual for Escallonia to turn brown like this. If it was diseased it would be more likely to turn yellow. The fact that it has changed in a few days suggests to me perhaps weedkiller (Glyphosate or similar) has either been used on it or nearby. Have you used any recently? Or maybe a neighbour? Also, check other types of plants close by to see if they have a similar problem.

If possible I would cut out the affected areas and see what happens. Yes, it'll look untidy for a while, but if the plant is healthy it will soon fill the gap left.

 

Thanks Sheal

We have not used weedkiller, but perhaps the neighbours did, the nearest neighbouring lawn is about 7 metres away from the Escallonia.

When you say to cut the affected area, do you mean take out the plant completely and let the other plants eventually fill the gaps or cut back all the branches that have browned (which is pretty much the whole bush). Probably a silly question but I am new to gardening!

 

If people use weedkillers on breezy days, it will drift further than intended. Glyphosate kills just about everything it touches.

I meant cut out the branches from the plants that are affected, but if most of the plant is affected it is probably easier to dig it out and replace it.

I have 80ft of Escallonia hedging myself and have never seen anything like this before. I'll do some research and if I come up with anything else I will let you know.