White patches stain her face, the leaves turn yellow and dry up - the laurel cherry looks battered. Below you can find out which diseases can afflict the laurel cherry and how they can be prevented and combated.

The main culprits: fungal diseases

In most cases, laurel cherries are affected by fungal diseases. The main cause is stress. Laurel cherries are sensitive and susceptible to diseases, especially when they are getting used to their new home.

Danger #1: Shotgun disease

Shotgun disease usually occurs on laurel cherries after spring has been extremely rainy. Moisture has accumulated on the leaves and evaporates poorly. The result can be shotgun disease, in which the leaves initially appear to be riddled with shot. First red-black spots appear on them. Gradually these dry out until the leaves fall off due to lack of strength.

Danger #2: Powdery mildew and downy mildew

Powdery mildew on the laurel cherry can be recognized by a mealy coating on the leaves. In addition, new leaves grow with arches. The laurel cherry varieties with broad leaves are particularly affected. Downy mildew can be recognized on laurel cherries by a blue-grey shimmer on the back of the leaf. In addition, the front is mottled yellow.

Danger #3: Monilia peak drought

Symptoms of Monilia peak drought are leaves drying and yellowing from the edge of the laurel cherry. The leaves and shoots later fall off. To get rid of these and the other fungal diseases, it usually helps to remove affected foliage and cut back the affected areas.

Avoid stressors

The following factors contribute to an increased risk of diseases in the laurel cherry and should be avoided:

  • Use of a wrong and too nitrogenous fertilizer - fertilize with horn shavings (32.93€) instead
  • incorrect watering - watering at ground level and not on the leaves
  • constant transplanting
  • too acidic soil - upgrade with lime

In many cases, severe pruning helps with diseased plants. It is also advisable to slowly harden off the plants, for example after propagating and gaining new shoots.

tips and tricks

Thin out the laurel cherry regularly. The space and light gained in the middle of the plant means that rain can evaporate more quickly and it is more difficult for fungi to infest.

Category:

Garden design