Entomosporium Leaf Spot

What it looks like

Small red or purple spots show up on leaves, then grow into gray-centered spots with red edges. In bad cases, heavily spotted leaves drop, leaving hedges thin and patchy.

When it shows up in the Triangle

Shows up from bud break through the wet spring months, then keeps spreading whenever summer rains keep leaves wet.

Where you’ll see it

Common on red-tip photinia and Indian hawthorn hedges, and other related shrubs, especially when planted close together.

What you can do

• Thin out crowded hedges so air can move through and leaves dry faster
• Switch from overhead sprinklers to watering at the base of plants
• Rake up and remove fallen leaves, since they hold the fungus over
• Avoid planting or keeping these shrubs in shady spots where leaves stay damp