Black leaves from rhodedendrum and now the choisyea

I cut back my 6ft rhododendrum at the weekend as smothered with black leaves, not one healthy shoot and now my choisyea at the other end of the garden as it which is also about 6ft. I dont want to cut this one down either and have cut alot of the black off but noticed it is spreading. The shrubs in between do not have a sign of it. Am spraying choisyea with bug spray and jetted it with the hose last night. They were not like this last year so am confused, any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!!

 

What are the black leaves like ?
Is it a black sooty mould or black spots on the leaves ?
Can you post a pic ?

 

A black sooty mould yes!!

 

Just an idea........could it be a delayed reaction to the bad winter we've had? My Escallonia hedge has suffered these last two winters.

 

Do you think? Cut the rhodi down to shin level and hubby not pleased but it was everywhere, stems included. NOt many people here seem to have rhodedendrums so cant compare!

 

http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/FactSheets/sooty/sootymold.htm

I think the information on the link will help you.

 

Thanks Alice! Mentions contacting someone in Environmental Health, is it that serious as read that on another web page. Keeping a close eye on the choiysea, can you recommend anything to spray it with as never come across this before in my gardening years!!

 

http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_5031159_treat-plants-black-sooty-mold.html

Sorry I can't recommend anything specific. A systemic insecticide seems to be the answer. I can't see any reason to contact environmental health. The information on the link should help you.
I've grown many rhododendrons and shrubs but I've never actually come across this problem.