Common Viburnum Diseases
Viburnum shrubs are very adaptable plants. That means they rarely have any disease issues. Common viburnum bush diseases encompass those caused by fungus, while other disease issues are rare. In most cases, correct siting of plants, adequate air circulation, and good watering practices can prevent these soil or air borne problems. Plants under stress are most prone to lasting damage from these types of illnesses.
Foliage
The most prevalent diseases affecting viburnums are fungal diseases of the foliage.
Powdery mildew affects many types of plants, from ornamentals to vegetables. It is characterized by fine white dusty growth on the upper surfaces of leaves. Downy mildew causes leaves to develop splotched areas which die and shrivel in spring. It is most common when the weather is wet. Fungal leaf spots are caused by a different fungus, Cercospora or sometimes Anthracnose. Spots on leaves begin small but gradually develop. The area is angular and irregular and may be reddish to grayish brown. These tend to occur in warm, wet summer months.
The viburnum disease treatment for these types of plants is all the same. Avoid overhead watering, apply fungicide if the disease is rampant, and destroy damaged leaf material.
Roots
One of the most damaging diseases of viburnum is Armillaria root rot, also known as shoestring root rot or mushroom root rot. This is another fungus, but it affects the roots of the plant and can lead to death. Initially, the leaves and stems of the plant will appear stunted, yellow, and leaves may drop to the ground. As the disease works on, the roots of the bush will gradually get sicker and sicker. The process can take several years but eventually the tree will die. It can be hard to diagnose, as symptoms mimic other stresses such as lack of water or poor care. The upper crown and roots of the plant will pinpoint the cause if examined, however, and white fungal growth will be visible under the bark. If the root system is diseased and making its way into the trunk, the plant cannot be saved. This is one of the most dangerous of the viburnum bush diseases.
Bark and branches
Botryosphaeria canker is a serious disease of viburnum and many other ornamentals. It is characterized by dead or wilted leaves. The fungus produces fruiting bodies that show up on bark and branches as brown to black, plump bumps. Bark becomes dark brown. The fungus gets into the plants through some injury and destroys the cambium. Cankers form, which girdle the tree, effectively cutting off nutrients and water movement. Drought stressed bushes are mostly affected. Prune off affected material with sterilized pruners and provide consistent water and fertilizer over the season. There is no viburnum disease treatment for this ailment, but once the plant gains health, it can usually withstand the fungal attack.
