David viburnum – Brown spotsI

Q: I have a beautiful David viburnum and it has several branches with all the leaves brown and more with brown spots. What’s happening?

A: Although I once recommended it, I have lost confidence in this shrub, Viburnum davidii, for Georgia conditions. Something about our summer heat and humidity, clay soil, or winter temperature fluctuations simply doesn’t agree with this plant. They look great in a nursery but after a couple of years in the landscape, most get leaf spot and give up the ghost. They do very well in the Pacific Northwest but our Zone 7 – 8 environment is completely different from their Zone 7 – 8 conditions. I recommend you pull it out and substitute a ‘Clara’ or ‘Olivia’ Indian hawthorn.

  • Advertisement