Unfortunately, fungal diseases occur relatively frequently in some cherry laurel species. Gardeners fear the buckshot in particular, which can damage the plant so severely that it dies. But powdery and downy mildew can also severely affect the laurel cherry.

Holes in the leaves indicate buckshot

Shotgun disease is caused by the fungus Stigmina carpophilum, which is very resistant. It even survives deep sub-zero temperatures in the fallen plant parts as well as the shoot tips and infested leaves of the cherry laurel. The heat generated during composting does not kill the fungus either. For this reason, you should dispose of infested plant parts in the household waste, because you would unintentionally spread the fungal spores throughout the garden when applying the fertilizer.

The bad image

First of all, the shot is expressed by light spots on the upper side of the leaf. As a result, the areas turn brown, the leaf structure changes and becomes thin and brittle. The plant defends itself against the fungus and sheds the necrotic tissue. The foliage becomes pitted and looks as if it has been shot at with a shotgun.

Branch drought and peak drought

If the cherry laurel is attacked by the fungus Monili laxa, the edges of the leaves first turn yellow, hang limp and finally fall off. If you look closely, you can see a fine lawn of fungus on the foliage.

Powdery and downy mildew

If the laurel cherry suffers from powdery mildew, you can tell by the white coating on the upper side of the leaf. The plant looks like it has been dusted with flour.

Downy mildew, on the other hand, settles on the underside of the leaf and is visible as a fine, greyish fungal down.

Measures in case of fungal infestation

Regardless of which fungus attacked the cherry laurel, you should cut back the diseased parts of the plant deep into the healthy wood. Destroy the prunings in the household waste so that no other plants can be infected.

Spraying with milk or vinegar works naturally against powdery mildew and fungus. However, these environmentally friendly measures require some consistency, since the funds have to be applied several times.

If a large part of the leaves and shoots of the laurel cherry are infested, only chemical pesticides can often help. Since fungi are also beginning to develop resistance, it is important to use a suitable fungicide and, if necessary, to spray the plant with several active ingredients alternately.

tips and tricks

The following also applies to fungal diseases on cherry laurel: prevention is better than cure. In addition to the right location and a loose structure of the bushes through regular pruning, you can strengthen the plants with natural remedies such as nettle manure.

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Trees