Can you identify these "problems"?

Hello all

I'm a newbie gardener and have a couple of recent changes in my garden which I'd like to identify.

One is my Sorbus Autumn Spire tree. It has developed white spots on the trunk and I've also noticed scattered white spots on the soil around it. I've tried to photograph it and I don't know if it shows up but can anyone identify: a) the white spots on the tree and b) the white spots on the ground? They appear nowhere else in my garden, just on the soil around the tree.



Secondly, one of my heuchera is covered in "pock marks" with brown crusty undersides to the leaves. I have five heuchera and this is the only one affected. Any ideas? Here is a pic.

 

Hi

Bacterial Leaf Spot
Two main categories of bacterial leaf spot can affect heuchera. Each has different symptoms, but prevention measures and treatment are the same. Pseudomonas is identified by a distorted leaf with red-brown spots. Xanthomonas displays in various irregular or circular-shaped, yellow-rimmed, brown spots. In order for bacteria to enter a plant, an infection must already be in progress through an injury such as a stem breakage or leaf cut. In some cases, bacteria enter through natural openings. Fungicides will not work on this bacterial disease. Prevention is the best course. Never work among plants that are wet with dew or that have just been watered. Disease spreads more easily through damaged foliage, caused when the stems and leaves have been crushed from handling. Cut back infected plants and dispose of the material carefully. Bacteria will lie dormant in plants even over winter.

You can also spray with "Rose Clear fungicide" I have and it does work but you need to remove all leaves 1st then spray and give the plant a liquid feed once a week and it should bounce back , you need to use clean sterilized secateurs "mentholated spirits is great at cleaning before using again on another plant

Also your Sorbus I think the spots as you call them are normal and nothing to worry about has the sorbus flowered ? as the White spots on the floor look like petals , but I would suggest using a proper tree tie as what you are using may cut in to the bark and damage the tree trunk.

 

The tie is providing no support as it is, either replace with a longer stake or at least try to tie it higher by moving the stake more upright, how long has the tree been in ?, I agree with @Spruce regarding the heuchera .

 

Thank you both so much! I've removed all of the leaves of the heuchera now and sterilised my secateurs. Will see how it gets on. I'll have to try to find some of that fungicide you mentioned.

Re the sorbus, I've bought a proper tree tie now. Do you think I should make the stake more upright or is it okay? I don't want to bash the stake through the tree roots by removing and re-staking. The tree was planted in October. How long do I need to keep the stake in?

 

I would replace the stake, if you can pull the old one out and use the same hole, all the better. Try when you bash it in to get it more upright.

 

Thanks for the tip - will do it tonight! How long do you usually leave stakes in?

 

All depends on the tree and your location ie high winds but normally at least two/three years (adjust the tie) as the trunk grows, so it doesn't cut in.

With the heuchera you will need to spray this week before the foliage starts to re sprout also you will need to feed.

 

Thanks for the tips!

I had a look at Rose Clear fungicide today and it sounds pretty toxic. I've used only organic stuff in my garden so far due to the fact that my cats eat everything (especially heuchera) so a bit concerned about using it...

 

Is there anyway you could cover it, wire mesh shaped dome, until it`s recovered and hopefully the rain will have washed any remaining toxins off.

 

I'll try that, thank you. Sprayed it last night so fingers crossed it does the trick!