Phytophthora Root and Crown Rot

What it looks like

Leaves wilt or turn dull even when the soil is plenty moist, and dieback may show on one side of the plant or the whole canopy. If you peel back the bark near the base, the wood underneath looks reddish-brown instead of healthy white or tan.

Often mistaken for: drought or heat stress

When it shows up in the Triangle

Can show up any time of year in our clay soils, but it's worst after heavy rain or overwatering, and often gets blamed on summer heat instead.

Where you’ll see it

Hits boxwood, azalea, rhododendron, camellia, holly, Leyland cypress, junipers, and other woody landscape plants growing in wet or heavy clay sites.

What you can do

• Never plant boxwood, azalea, or Leyland cypress in low spots or heavy, unamended clay
• Improve drainage before planting - raised beds or amended soil help a lot
• Cut back on irrigation, especially anything that keeps water sitting at the base of the plant
• Keep mulch pulled back a few inches from the trunk and crown
• Choose resistant varieties when you're replanting in a problem area