Why Does My Mock Orange Look Unhealthy?

Are the leaves covered with white powder?

Are the stems, leaves, buds, flowers, or fruit covered with gray mold, leaves may be blotched or discolored?

Are there any wet spots on leaves that turn brown and rot away?

Are the leaves spotted or blotched?

Are the leaves curled and distorted, small insects are present?

Have the leaves been tunneled?

White, powdery patches on the leaves are caused by a fungal disease Powdery mildew. Powdery mildew usually appears in damp places. Encourage good air circulation around the affected plants by thining them and any surrounding plants. Water plants from bellow to keep foliage dry. Any affected leaves should be cut off and removed.

Gray mold on stems, leaves, buds, flowers, or fruit is probably caused by fungal disease - Botrytis blight. You can prevent Botrytis blight disease by planting in areas with good air circulation. Water plants sparsely. Severely infected plants should be removed. Spray weekly with a copper fungicide until the disease is under control.

Leaf blight is caused by bacteria that develop during wet springs and overwinter in the shrub to re-appear the next year. Prune away and destroy affected foliage and branches. Help prevent blight from infecting your mock orange by protecting it from frosts or wet weather in the early spring.

Your plants might be suffering from fungal leaf spots. Spots may enlarge rapidly, especially in wet weather. Prune off all infected leaves. Spray plants with sulfur to prevent the disease from spreading, especially if the weather is wet. Prevent problems by thinning plants to provide good air circulation.

Distorted and curled leaves are caused by aphids. These tiny insects cluster under leaves and on growing tips where they feed on plant sap. Leaves, stems, and buds get distorted and later leaves and flowers drop from the plant. You can control them by washing them off the plant with water spray. Insecticidal soap should be used with severe infestations.

Leafminers are known pests on mock orange shrubs. These tiny pale green fly larvae feed between the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves. Prune off and destroy all infested leaves. Remove debris in fall because it might contain overwintering leafminers. Introducing parasitic wasps is a very effective method of controlling leafminers.

Giving this shrub too much water can cause root rot. Too little, and the shrub may become stunted in growth or fail to blossom adequately. Use the shrub's appearance as an indicator, applying water when the shrub begins to exhibit slight signs of drought stress, including slight wilting or curling of the leaves.