Red/brown leaves on blueberry bush

Hello,

A couple of months ago I bought a blueberry bush (Vaccinium Corybosum), potted it and mulched it with woodchip. However in the summer, the leaves started to turn red and brown at the tips, and this appears to have spread. At the time, I thought it was under-watered and doused watered it copiously for a week or too, though I'm not sure if this had any affect. Included are photos of how it looks now - any ideas on what course of action I should take? Other sites on the net list similar problems, and recommend changing the soil pH or cutting the leaves off, though I wanted to get some advice from you very knowledgeable people first Many thanks in advance

 

Could it be that the plant was watered in full sun and the water droplets acted as lenses focusing the light and burning the leaves? The damage seems to be where the water would collect.

Just a thought. Cheers, Tony.

 

Yes, I think that is very probably the case. Is this something that will heal over time or is there something I can do to help it?

 

Hi
I think in frequent watering during the summer.

It will be fine in the spring and I woudnt cut anything off as you will be cutting off the shoots that will flower next spring at the same time

Is it a wooden barrel that is is growing in , if so I would line the sides with plastic but not the bottom this would help conserve the water , just thought you are going to say "no its plastic " !!

Spruce

 

You're right, it is growing in a wooden pot, I'll definitely consider lining it with plastic. So as the leaves are burnt from watering in direct sunlight, will they get better on their own?

 

they will be dropping off soon for autumn so just leave alone , too dry at the roots has caused it , I would line the wooden barrel it just sucks all the water out of the soil over the summer.

Spruce

 

Cheers, I'll do that ASAP. Still amazed at how knowledgeable everyone on this forum is

 

Thats very kind of you

another quick tip , buy some Ericaceous compost when re-potting and to feed (Acid) plant food start using this late March onwards once a fortnight mixed in the water, they enjoy full sun most of the day.

Spruce

 

When I saw the thread title, I was just about to leap in and say that blueberry leaves do often turn vivid red and brown shades in autumn, but from the pics, I don't think that's it. Have a good close look at the underside of the leaves, make sure nothing is eating them. Also, keep a close eye on it, and look out for any sudden rapid decay. If that happens, look out for vine weevil.