Top 7 Sunshine Ligustrum Problems (+ Practical Fixes)

Sunshine ligustrum is one of the shrubs that are easy to grow and maintain. The plant grows rapidly, which is why they often require pruning. Though it is not compulsory to do that as the plant naturally has a nice shape.

However, there are numerous sunshine ligustrum problems that you should know about, including attacks by insects, losing of leaves, dying of leaves, and a few others that we will discuss in this article. 

Knowing about these problems will help you to prepare before hand and know what to expect when growing the plant and how to tackle them.

Let’s get started!

Sunshine Ligustrum Problems

Sunshine ligustrum doesn’t need an environment that is too dry or wet rather, it needs moderate weather. This is simply because too much or too little water can cause a lot of problems to the plant. 

Some of the common problems associated with sunshine ligustrum include; Losing leaves, dying of hedge, brown spots on ligustrum, spots on leaf, faded colors, and dark brown marks on tree leaves. 

Apart from the above, there are other problems too. Read on as we enlighten you on ways to get rid of them.

See Also: Why Monstera Leaves Are Curling?

1. Scale Insects

Scale insects are bugs that look like limpets. These insects are capable of piercing and sucking the juice in leaves.

They pose a great threat to your sunshine ligustrum (hedges). To identify them, carefully take a close look at the stems and sides of the plants.

If you notice any small bumps with white coats on them just know that scale insects have invaded your plants. But you don’t need to panic. There is always a way out.

You can manually do that by spraying soapy water on the stems and leaves and then, brush off the scale insects or you chemically apply pesticides.

Do well to follow instructions on the application of pesticides and spray during the summer period.

2. Winter Moth Caterpillars

These sets of insects are dangerous attackers to plant. They usually attack the young leaves by making holes in them.

If you notice any holes in the new leaves of your sunshine ligustrum, just have in mind that you ought to fight winter moths.

From their name, you can deduce they are active during winter, from November to April. They produce eyes and proceed to attack your hedges.

The problem of winter moth caterpillars can be solved in two ways. You can decide to control them by a biological method of pest control, that is, introducing organisms that prey on winter moths.

Tit birds are good for this job considering the fact they like preying on caterpillars. On the other hand, you can apply insecticide or pesticides. There are a lot of them in the market. However, go for ones capable of dealing with the winter months. 

3. Spider Mites

Just like scale insects, spider moths also suck sap from stems and leaves of hedges and create webs around the stems.

Their presence is characterized by ;

• Mottling on the upper sides of the leaves
• Egg shells and some green-like mites around the foliage
• The color of the leaves becomes more yellow as the color fades

Pesticides can be used in eradicating spider mites, especially ones that contain acetamiprid, or you can the branches of the infested areas, clip the leaves, and even burn them to get rid of the mites.

4. Powdery Mildew

This is a disease associated with fungi. The leaves and stems of green plants are usually the targets for this disease.

Just like the name suggests, its presence is noted by the appearance of a white powdery substance on the surface of leaves. This disease often leads to stunted growth of leaves and stems.

Always water your plants regularly, especially during the dry season. This is because powdery mildew disease is prevalent during the dry season due to its high water content.

Again, pesticides especially the ones with tebuconazole are good for controlling this fungal disease. 

5. Honey Fungus

Honey fungus usually invades the roots of plants. They can cause the leaves to look pale and stunt their growth of leaves.

The best way to eradicate honey fungus is to hand pick the affected leaves and burn them. You can also change the topsoil if possible.

Unfortunately, chemicals can not be applied here.

6. Aphids

This is another sucking insect that sucks the juice of leaves, especially the young ones thereby disrupting the overall growth of the plant. 

They come in different colors and are also visible.

Controlling these bugs is easy. It’s either you remove them by handpicking with wet clothes or you can introduce their predators.

Also, you can use pesticides to combat them.

See Also: Will Hydrangeas Survive Winter in Pots?

7. Vine Weevil

Vine Weevil is a dangerous insect. It attacks leaves majorly and leaves holes in them.

They can even go to the extent of attacking the roots of shrubs. They are usually seen during summer.

To fix this problem, use a specific microscope to remove them since they can hardly be seen during the day or you can shake the plant thoroughly.

Pesticides can not do much here however if you are going for one opt for one that has acetamiprid in its content.

How Revive a Dying Sunshine Ligustrum

Here are practical ways you can revive your sunshine ligustrum from sunshine ligustrum problems.

• Identifying the problem is the first step to reviving your plant
• Remove the infested branches and leaves and burn for total eradication
• Though pruning is not compulsory but it is necessary if you want a healthy sunshine ligustrum
• Water the plants during the dry season but don’t make the soil too wet
• Apply fertilizers to help boost your plant’s development
• Keep your pesticides handy or you can deploy other means we discussed earlier

Conclusion

Sunshine ligustrum is easy to grow and maintain. However, it has its problems. Losing of leaves, yellowing of leaves, and brown and dark spots are some sunshine ligustrum problems.

We have done justice by carefully explaining these problems, ways to fix them, and how to care for your ligustrum. Put them into practice and watch your sunshine ligustrum blossom in good health.