Search Plants
Try for Free
English
About
Care Guide
More Info
Pests & Diseases
More About How-Tos
Holly 'Blue Princess'
Ilex × meserveae 'Blue Princess'
With vibrant, spiny leaves, holly 'Blue Princess' is an evergreen holly recognized by its glossy, deep blue-green foliage and purple stems. In autumn, females of this hardy hybrid dazzle with bright red berries if a male pollinator is nearby. Thriving in well-drained soils and partial to full sun, holly 'Blue Princess' offers year-round interest and is favored for holiday decorations.
Hardiness Zones
5 to 9
Care Guide for Holly 'Blue Princess'
Feedback
Know the light your plants really get.
Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.
Scan QR code to download
Holly 'Blue Princess'
Sunlight
Full sun
Hardiness Zones
5 to 9
Key Facts About Holly 'Blue Princess'
Feedback
Attributes of Holly 'Blue Princess'
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub
Plant Height
3 m to 4.5 m
Spread
2.5 m to 3 m
Leaf Color
Green
Gray
Flower Color
White
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
5 - 35 ℃
Scientific Classification of Holly 'Blue Princess'
Find your perfect green friends.
Plan your green oasis based on your criteria: plant type, pet safety, skill level, sites, and more.
Common Pests & Diseases About Holly 'Blue Princess'
Feedback
Common issues for Holly 'Blue Princess' based on 10 million real cases
Treat and prevent plant diseases.
AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.
Mealybug
Mealybug is a pest that infests Holly 'Blue Princess', causing yellowing and drop of leaves, weakening the plant. Immediate control measures are crucial to prevent significant damage.
Brown spot
This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.
Solutions: In minor cases of brown spot, there isn’t any need to treat the disease. However, if much of the foliage is affected and defoliation occurs, the plant will benefit from getting rid of the infection. It is recommended to start by applying organic treatment options, working up to the more potent synthetic, chemical fungicides if necessary. Organic options won’t kill the fungus, but will prevent it from spreading. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water. Using a spray bottle, spray on tops and bottoms of leaves until the mixture drips off. Repeat every two weeks until existing spots stop enlarging and new spots no longer appear. Spray a copper-based fungicidal soap on the leaves, coating the top and bottom leaf surfaces. Reapply as directed on the product label. Copper penetrates the leaf surface and prevents germination of spores so the fungus cannot spread. Apply an all-purpose fungicide to the entire plant, following the label instructions carefully.
Aged yellow and dry
Natural aging can cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out.
Solutions: If the yellowing and drying of leaves and flowers is a natural progression due to age, nothing can be done to slow or stop the process. Once hormones within the plant begin the process of senescence, it’s irreversible.
Leaf beetles
Leaf beetles are a class of colored insects 1 to 2 cm in size. They gnaw on leaves and petals resulting in small, round holes scattered over the surface.
Solutions: For less serious cases: Remove beetles, nymphs, and eggs. Remove all life stages of the beetles and kill them by placing them in a bucket of warm, soapy water. This can be done more easily by placing the bucket under affected leaves and shaking the plant. This method is most effective in the afternoon when leaf beetles are more active. Always dispose of insects in a sealed bag or container to avoid escape and spread. To treat more serious infestations: Apply organic insecticides. Use naturally-derived insecticides before moving on to synthetic insecticides. Neem oil and pyrethrum are naturally-derived insecticides that should be applied following label instructions. Apply synthetic insecticides. Examples of insecticides effective for leaf beetles include carbaryl, permethrin, and bifenthrin. Apply insecticides according to label instructions.
Mealybug
Overview
Symptom
Causes
Treatment
Prevention
Active Period
What is Mealybug Disease on Holly 'Blue Princess'?
Mealybug is a pest that infests Holly 'Blue Princess', causing yellowing and drop of leaves, weakening the plant. Immediate control measures are crucial to prevent significant damage.
Symptom Analysis
On Holly 'Blue Princess', the main symptoms include clusters of white, cotton-like masses on leaves and stems, leaf yellowing, and premature leaf drop.
What Causes Mealybug Disease on Holly 'Blue Princess'?
Pseudococcidae family
Mealybugs belong to this family of insects, which feed on plant sap, weakening the plant and excreting honeydew.
How to Treat Mealybug Disease on Holly 'Blue Princess'?
Non pesticide
Physical removal: Manually remove mealybugs using a damp cloth or by washing with a strong jet of water.
Biological control: Introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings into your garden to control mealybug populations.
Pesticide
Insecticidal soap: Apply insecticidal soap directly to infested areas to effectively kill mealybugs without harming the plant.
Systemic insecticides: Use systemic insecticides that are absorbed by the plant and poison mealybugs when they feed on the sap.
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants and unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app
Brown spot
This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.
Overview
Discolored spots on the foliage of plants are one of the most common disease problems people observe. These spots are caused by fungal and bacterial diseases, with most infections related to a fungal pathogen.
Brown spot can occurs on all houseplants, flowering ornamentals, vegetable plants, and leaves of trees, bushes, and shrubs. No plants are resistant to it, and the problem is worse in warm, wet environments. It can occur at any point in the life stage as long as leaves are present.
Small brownish spots appear on the foliage and enlarge as the disease progresses. In severe cases, the plant or tree is weakened when the lesions interrupt photosynthesis or cause defoliation.
Symptom Analysis
In most cases, brown spot only affects a small percentage of the whole plant, appearing on a small amount of the leaves. A small infection only puts minor stress on the plant. However, if left untreated and the disease progresses over numerous seasons, it will severely impact the health and productivity of the infected specimen.
- Sporulation begins (reproduction of the fungal spores), and tiny spots appear on leaves.
- Placement is often random and scattered as diseases are spread through raindrops.
- May appear on lower leaves and the interior of the plant where humidity is higher.
- Brown spots enlarge and grow large enough to touch neighboring spots to form a more prominent blotch.
- Leaf margins may turn yellow.
- Tiny black dots (fruiting bodies of the fungi) appear in the dead spots.
- Blotches grow in size until the entire leaf is brown.
- The leaf falls off the plant.
Severe Symptoms
- Partial or complete premature defoliation
- Reduced growth
- Increased susceptibility to pests and other diseases
Disease Cause
Brown spot, or leaf spot, is a common descriptive term given to several diseases affecting the leaves of plants and trees. Around 85% of diseases exhibiting leaf spots are due to fungus or fungus-like organisms. Sometimes brown spot is caused by a bacterial infection, or insect activity with similar symptoms.
When conditions are warm and the leaf surfaces are wet, fungal spores being transported by wind or rain land on the surface and cling to it. They do not rupture the cell walls but grow in the space between the plant plasma membrane and the plant cell wall. As the spores reproduce, they release toxins and enzymes that cause necrotic spots (i.e., dead tissue) on the leaves, allowing the fungi to consume the products released when the cells degrade.
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants and unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app
Aged yellow and dry
Natural aging can cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out.
Overview
Regardless of the type of plant or where it is grown, at some point, it will begin to aged yellow and dry. This is a natural, unavoidable process that happens when the plant has completed all of the steps in its life.
Annual plants go through this process at the end of a single growing season. Perennial plants live for multiple years, if not tens or hundreds of years, but will still ultimately exhibit these symptoms.
Symptom Analysis
When plants have progressed through their natural developmental stages and are nearing the end of their lifecycle, they begin showing signs of decline. Leaves will start to yellow and droop, and over time they turn papery brown and dry.
Once completely dry, the leaves begin to fall from the plant until the entire plant has dried out.
Disease Cause
At the end of its life, genetic coding within the plant increases the production of ethylene, a phytohormone that controls senescence or natural aging and death. Cell division stops, and the plant begins catabolizing resources to use in other parts of the plant.
As this happens, the tissues begin yellow and drying until the entire plant is desiccated and perishes.
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants and unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app
Leaf beetles
Leaf beetles are a class of colored insects 1 to 2 cm in size. They gnaw on leaves and petals resulting in small, round holes scattered over the surface.
Overview
Leaf beetles range in size from 1.5 mm to 2 cm. Both adult beetles and their larvae eat the leaves of many different types of plants. There are over 35,000 different species of leaf beetles, in a variety of colors including gold, green, yellow-striped, and red striped. Some of these have been mistaken for ladybirds because of their shape and coloring. They can be oval, round, or elongated in shape. These insect pests are most active in spring and summer.
If not controlled, leaf beetles can do a lot of damage to vegetable crops and ornamental plants. They feed on the leaves, flowers, stems, roots, and fruits of different plants. They can fly, which means it's easy for them to move from one plant to another. Some species of leaf beetles only target one specific crop, while others will target many different types of plants. Although a lot of the damage that they cause is cosmetic, an infestation can weaken a plant and leave it prone to other more problematic diseases.
Symptom Analysis
The first signs of a leaf beetles infestation are small visible holes in leaves. Leaves then become discolored and dark beetle droppings can be seen. As the leaves turn yellow and brown, they will drop off the plant onto the ground. Some leaves will appear skeletonized with only the veins still remaining.
Infestation begins in spring, when the adult beetles emerge from the soil and lay their eggs on the leaves of plants. When these eggs hatch, the young nymphs start munching on the leaves as they grow up. Once leaf beetles are large and mature, they'll fall to the ground and pupate in the soil over winter before starting the cycle all over again.
Leaf beetles also eat holes in fruits and vegetables. These can be seen as small round holes that sometimes have a larger brown area surrounding them.
Solutions
For less serious cases:
- Remove beetles, nymphs, and eggs. Remove all life stages of the beetles and kill them by placing them in a bucket of warm, soapy water. This can be done more easily by placing the bucket under affected leaves and shaking the plant. This method is most effective in the afternoon when leaf beetles are more active. Always dispose of insects in a sealed bag or container to avoid escape and spread.
To treat more serious infestations:
- Apply organic insecticides. Use naturally-derived insecticides before moving on to synthetic insecticides. Neem oil and pyrethrum are naturally-derived insecticides that should be applied following label instructions.
- Apply synthetic insecticides. Examples of insecticides effective for leaf beetles include carbaryl, permethrin, and bifenthrin. Apply insecticides according to label instructions.
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants and unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app
More Info on Holly 'blue Princess' Growth and Care
Feedback
Basic Care Guide
Common Pests & Diseases
Transplant
5-8 feet
For holly 'Blue Princess', the best transplanting time spans from the vitality of late spring to early summer, or when autumn hues peak, as these periods ensure root establishment. Choose a spot with sun to partial shade, and provide occasional transplant tips to maintain health.
Transplant Techniques 
Pruning
Winter
A broadleaf evergreen with distinctive spiny leaves and bright red berries, holly 'Blue Princess' thrives with selective pruning to maintain shape and encourage growth. Key techniques include thinning out old or overcrowded branches and trimming back to a main branch or bud to promote a dense, bushy habit. Ideally, pruning should be done in winter when the plant is dormant. Pruning enhances berry production and overall vigor, and prevents the center from becoming too dense, which could lead to disease.
Pruning techniques 
Propagation
Spring,Summer
Holly 'Blue Princess' is effectively propagated through cuttings. For successful cultivation, use semi-hardwood cuttings taken from healthy, mature plants. Ensuring the cuttings are quickly potted in well-draining soil and maintained under appropriate humidity and temperature conditions will encourage rooting. Regular monitoring of the cuttings for signs of growth or disease is crucial for optimal development. With careful attention to these practical tips, gardeners can expect a thriving holly 'Blue Princess'.
Propagation Techniques Mealybug
Mealybug is a pest that infests Holly 'Blue Princess', causing yellowing and drop of leaves, weakening the plant. Immediate control measures are crucial to prevent significant damage.
Read More
Scale insect
Scale insects are a pest affecting 'Holly 'Blue Princess'' by sucking sap from the branches and leaves, leading to yellowing, stunted growth, and potentially plant death if infestations are severe.
Read More
Yellow edges
Yellow edges' is a fungal disease impacting the health and appearance of Holly 'Blue Princess', causing yellow discoloration and eventual browning of the plant's leaf margins. Untreated, the disease may compromise the plant's overall health and aesthetics.
Read More
Dark blotch
Dark blotch is a fungal disease impacting Holly 'Blue Princess', causing discoloration and stunt growth. The pathogen involved is 'Alternaria alternata', propelled by moisture conditions. It's moderately infectious but not lethal, manageable through manual, cultural and chemical methods.
Read More
Scars
Scars on Holly 'Blue Princess' are typically mechanical damage, not a disease. These wounds can impair growth and aesthetics but seldom cause severe health issues. Secondary infections might occur at the damaged site.
Read More
Whole plant withering
Whole plant withering dramatically impacts Holly 'Blue Princess', leading to the decline and potential death of the plant. This condition is caused by various biotic and abiotic stresses affecting plant health.
Read More
Leaf tip withering
Leaf tip withering is a fungal disease affecting Holly 'Blue Princess', causing noticeable discoloration, dehydration and curling of leaves. If left untreated, it may severely compromise the plant's overall health and appearance.
Read More
Leaf wilting
Leaf wilting affects Holly 'Blue Princess' by causing the foliage to droop and lose vigor, potentially leading to plant death if unaddressed. It can be a symptom of varied problems, including diseases, pests, or cultural issues.
Read More
Leaf blotch
Leaf blotch is a fungal disease affecting Holly 'Blue Princess', characterized by discolored lesions on leaves, potentially leading to premature leaf drop and reduced vigor.
Read More
Black mold
Black mold is a fungal disease that attacks 'Holly 'Blue Princess'', causing aesthetic and physiological damage. It thrives in damp conditions, leading to sooty leaves and potentially weakened plant health if not controlled.
Read More
Spots
Spots on Holly 'Blue Princess' are a common issue that can lead to aesthetic degradation and potential health decline of the plant. The disease is characterized by discolored lesions on the foliage.
Read More
White blotch
White blotch is a fungal disease that affects 'Holly 'Blue Princess'' causing discolored patches on leaves and potentially weakening the plant over time. It thrives in damp conditions and can spread if not managed.
Read More
Branch withering
Branch withering is a disease impacting Holly 'Blue Princess', causing its branches to dry out and die, potentially leading to severe defoliation and plant death if not managed promptly.
Read More
Leaf yellowing
Leaf yellowing disease affects Holly 'Blue Princess', causing discoloration and reduced plant vitality. This harmful disease is largely due to a lack of essential nutrients and other biotic factors, making it relatively common yet seriously impacting the plant's aesthetic and health.
Read More
Dark spots
Dark spots on Holly 'Blue Princess' are a common issue affecting foliage, leading to aesthetic decline and potential health deterioration of the plant.
Read More
Notch
Notch disease, affecting Holly 'Blue Princess', manifests primarily through discolored, notched leaves that can significantly weaken the plant. It favors humid, warm conditions and risks spreading quickly if untreated.
Read More
Non-base branch withering
Non-base branch withering is a disease affecting Holly 'Blue Princess', leading to premature withering and eventual death of its branches. This disease inhibits normal growth and reduces the ornamental value of the plant.
Read More
Whole leaf withering
Whole leaf withering, a disease affecting Holly 'Blue Princess', causes the leaves to shrivel and dry, leading to overall plant health decline. This guide covers its causes, symptoms, activity peaks, and curative measures.
Read More
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants and unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Botanist in your pocket
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app
About
Care Guide
More Info
Pests & Diseases
More About How-Tos
Holly 'Blue Princess'
Ilex × meserveae 'Blue Princess'
With vibrant, spiny leaves, holly 'Blue Princess' is an evergreen holly recognized by its glossy, deep blue-green foliage and purple stems. In autumn, females of this hardy hybrid dazzle with bright red berries if a male pollinator is nearby. Thriving in well-drained soils and partial to full sun, holly 'Blue Princess' offers year-round interest and is favored for holiday decorations.
Hardiness Zones
5 to 9
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Care Guide for Holly 'Blue Princess'
Feedback
Know the light your plants really get.
Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.
Download the App for Free
Download
Key Facts About Holly 'Blue Princess'
Feedback
Attributes of Holly 'Blue Princess'
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub
Plant Height
3 m to 4.5 m
Spread
2.5 m to 3 m
Leaf Color
Green
Gray
Flower Color
White
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
5 - 35 ℃
Gain more valuable plant knowledge
Explore a rich botanical encyclopedia for deeper insights
Download the App for Free
Scientific Classification of Holly 'Blue Princess'
Never miss a care task again!
Plant care made easier than ever with our tailor-made smart care reminder.
Download the App for Free
Common Pests & Diseases About Holly 'Blue Princess'
Feedback
Common issues for Holly 'Blue Princess' based on 10 million real cases
Plant disease auto-diagnose & prevention
AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.
Download the App for Free
Mealybug
Mealybug is a pest that infests Holly 'Blue Princess', causing yellowing and drop of leaves, weakening the plant. Immediate control measures are crucial to prevent significant damage.
Learn More About the Mealybug ![more]()
Brown spot
This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.
Solutions: In minor cases of brown spot, there isn’t any need to treat the disease. However, if much of the foliage is affected and defoliation occurs, the plant will benefit from getting rid of the infection. It is recommended to start by applying organic treatment options, working up to the more potent synthetic, chemical fungicides if necessary. Organic options won’t kill the fungus, but will prevent it from spreading. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water. Using a spray bottle, spray on tops and bottoms of leaves until the mixture drips off. Repeat every two weeks until existing spots stop enlarging and new spots no longer appear. Spray a copper-based fungicidal soap on the leaves, coating the top and bottom leaf surfaces. Reapply as directed on the product label. Copper penetrates the leaf surface and prevents germination of spores so the fungus cannot spread. Apply an all-purpose fungicide to the entire plant, following the label instructions carefully.
Learn More About the Brown spot ![more]()
Aged yellow and dry
Natural aging can cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out.
Solutions: If the yellowing and drying of leaves and flowers is a natural progression due to age, nothing can be done to slow or stop the process. Once hormones within the plant begin the process of senescence, it’s irreversible.
Learn More About the Aged yellow and dry ![more]()
Leaf beetles
Leaf beetles are a class of colored insects 1 to 2 cm in size. They gnaw on leaves and petals resulting in small, round holes scattered over the surface.
Solutions: For less serious cases: Remove beetles, nymphs, and eggs. Remove all life stages of the beetles and kill them by placing them in a bucket of warm, soapy water. This can be done more easily by placing the bucket under affected leaves and shaking the plant. This method is most effective in the afternoon when leaf beetles are more active. Always dispose of insects in a sealed bag or container to avoid escape and spread. To treat more serious infestations: Apply organic insecticides. Use naturally-derived insecticides before moving on to synthetic insecticides. Neem oil and pyrethrum are naturally-derived insecticides that should be applied following label instructions. Apply synthetic insecticides. Examples of insecticides effective for leaf beetles include carbaryl, permethrin, and bifenthrin. Apply insecticides according to label instructions.
Learn More About the Leaf beetles ![more]()
Mealybug
Overview
Symptom
Causes
Treatment
Prevention
Active Period
What is Mealybug Disease on Holly 'Blue Princess'?
Mealybug is a pest that infests Holly 'Blue Princess', causing yellowing and drop of leaves, weakening the plant. Immediate control measures are crucial to prevent significant damage.
Symptom Analysis
On Holly 'Blue Princess', the main symptoms include clusters of white, cotton-like masses on leaves and stems, leaf yellowing, and premature leaf drop.
What Causes Mealybug Disease on Holly 'Blue Princess'?
Pseudococcidae family
Mealybugs belong to this family of insects, which feed on plant sap, weakening the plant and excreting honeydew.
How to Treat Mealybug Disease on Holly 'Blue Princess'?
Non pesticide
Physical removal: Manually remove mealybugs using a damp cloth or by washing with a strong jet of water.
Biological control: Introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings into your garden to control mealybug populations.
Pesticide
Insecticidal soap: Apply insecticidal soap directly to infested areas to effectively kill mealybugs without harming the plant.
Systemic insecticides: Use systemic insecticides that are absorbed by the plant and poison mealybugs when they feed on the sap.
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Brown spot
This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.
Overview
Discolored spots on the foliage of plants are one of the most common disease problems people observe. These spots are caused by fungal and bacterial diseases, with most infections related to a fungal pathogen.
Brown spot can occurs on all houseplants, flowering ornamentals, vegetable plants, and leaves of trees, bushes, and shrubs. No plants are resistant to it, and the problem is worse in warm, wet environments. It can occur at any point in the life stage as long as leaves are present.
Small brownish spots appear on the foliage and enlarge as the disease progresses. In severe cases, the plant or tree is weakened when the lesions interrupt photosynthesis or cause defoliation.
Symptom Analysis
In most cases, brown spot only affects a small percentage of the whole plant, appearing on a small amount of the leaves. A small infection only puts minor stress on the plant. However, if left untreated and the disease progresses over numerous seasons, it will severely impact the health and productivity of the infected specimen.
- Sporulation begins (reproduction of the fungal spores), and tiny spots appear on leaves.
- Placement is often random and scattered as diseases are spread through raindrops.
- May appear on lower leaves and the interior of the plant where humidity is higher.
- Brown spots enlarge and grow large enough to touch neighboring spots to form a more prominent blotch.
- Leaf margins may turn yellow.
- Tiny black dots (fruiting bodies of the fungi) appear in the dead spots.
- Blotches grow in size until the entire leaf is brown.
- The leaf falls off the plant.
Severe Symptoms
- Partial or complete premature defoliation
- Reduced growth
- Increased susceptibility to pests and other diseases
Disease Cause
Brown spot, or leaf spot, is a common descriptive term given to several diseases affecting the leaves of plants and trees. Around 85% of diseases exhibiting leaf spots are due to fungus or fungus-like organisms. Sometimes brown spot is caused by a bacterial infection, or insect activity with similar symptoms.
When conditions are warm and the leaf surfaces are wet, fungal spores being transported by wind or rain land on the surface and cling to it. They do not rupture the cell walls but grow in the space between the plant plasma membrane and the plant cell wall. As the spores reproduce, they release toxins and enzymes that cause necrotic spots (i.e., dead tissue) on the leaves, allowing the fungi to consume the products released when the cells degrade.
Solutions
In minor cases of brown spot, there isn’t any need to treat the disease. However, if much of the foliage is affected and defoliation occurs, the plant will benefit from getting rid of the infection. It is recommended to start by applying organic treatment options, working up to the more potent synthetic, chemical fungicides if necessary.
Organic options won’t kill the fungus, but will prevent it from spreading.
- Dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water. Using a spray bottle, spray on tops and bottoms of leaves until the mixture drips off. Repeat every two weeks until existing spots stop enlarging and new spots no longer appear.
- Spray a copper-based fungicidal soap on the leaves, coating the top and bottom leaf surfaces. Reapply as directed on the product label. Copper penetrates the leaf surface and prevents germination of spores so the fungus cannot spread.
- Apply an all-purpose fungicide to the entire plant, following the label instructions carefully.
Prevention
Like many other diseases, it is easier to prevent brown spot than cure it, and this is done through cultural practices.
- Clear fall leaves from the ground before winter to minimize places where fungi and bacteria can overwinter.
- Maintain good air movement between plants through proper plant spacing.
- Increase air circulation through the center of plants through pruning.
- Thoroughly clean all pruning tools after working with diseased plants.
- Never dispose of disease plant material in a compost pile.
- Avoid overhead watering to keep moisture off of the foliage.
- Keep plants healthy by providing adequate sunlight, water, and fertilizer.
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Aged yellow and dry
Natural aging can cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out.
Overview
Regardless of the type of plant or where it is grown, at some point, it will begin to aged yellow and dry. This is a natural, unavoidable process that happens when the plant has completed all of the steps in its life.
Annual plants go through this process at the end of a single growing season. Perennial plants live for multiple years, if not tens or hundreds of years, but will still ultimately exhibit these symptoms.
Symptom Analysis
When plants have progressed through their natural developmental stages and are nearing the end of their lifecycle, they begin showing signs of decline. Leaves will start to yellow and droop, and over time they turn papery brown and dry.
Once completely dry, the leaves begin to fall from the plant until the entire plant has dried out.
Disease Cause
At the end of its life, genetic coding within the plant increases the production of ethylene, a phytohormone that controls senescence or natural aging and death. Cell division stops, and the plant begins catabolizing resources to use in other parts of the plant.
As this happens, the tissues begin yellow and drying until the entire plant is desiccated and perishes.
Solutions
If the yellowing and drying of leaves and flowers is a natural progression due to age, nothing can be done to slow or stop the process. Once hormones within the plant begin the process of senescence, it’s irreversible.
Prevention
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent plants from dying of “old age.” To help prolong their life, and put off symptoms of aged yellow and dry for as long as possible, take care of them by giving them enough water, fertilizing them appropriately, and making sure they get enough sunlight.
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Leaf beetles
Leaf beetles are a class of colored insects 1 to 2 cm in size. They gnaw on leaves and petals resulting in small, round holes scattered over the surface.
Overview
Leaf beetles range in size from 1.5 mm to 2 cm. Both adult beetles and their larvae eat the leaves of many different types of plants. There are over 35,000 different species of leaf beetles, in a variety of colors including gold, green, yellow-striped, and red striped. Some of these have been mistaken for ladybirds because of their shape and coloring. They can be oval, round, or elongated in shape. These insect pests are most active in spring and summer.
If not controlled, leaf beetles can do a lot of damage to vegetable crops and ornamental plants. They feed on the leaves, flowers, stems, roots, and fruits of different plants. They can fly, which means it's easy for them to move from one plant to another. Some species of leaf beetles only target one specific crop, while others will target many different types of plants. Although a lot of the damage that they cause is cosmetic, an infestation can weaken a plant and leave it prone to other more problematic diseases.
Symptom Analysis
The first signs of a leaf beetles infestation are small visible holes in leaves. Leaves then become discolored and dark beetle droppings can be seen. As the leaves turn yellow and brown, they will drop off the plant onto the ground. Some leaves will appear skeletonized with only the veins still remaining.
Infestation begins in spring, when the adult beetles emerge from the soil and lay their eggs on the leaves of plants. When these eggs hatch, the young nymphs start munching on the leaves as they grow up. Once leaf beetles are large and mature, they'll fall to the ground and pupate in the soil over winter before starting the cycle all over again.
Leaf beetles also eat holes in fruits and vegetables. These can be seen as small round holes that sometimes have a larger brown area surrounding them.
Solutions
For less serious cases:
- Remove beetles, nymphs, and eggs. Remove all life stages of the beetles and kill them by placing them in a bucket of warm, soapy water. This can be done more easily by placing the bucket under affected leaves and shaking the plant. This method is most effective in the afternoon when leaf beetles are more active. Always dispose of insects in a sealed bag or container to avoid escape and spread.
To treat more serious infestations:
- Apply organic insecticides. Use naturally-derived insecticides before moving on to synthetic insecticides. Neem oil and pyrethrum are naturally-derived insecticides that should be applied following label instructions.
- Apply synthetic insecticides. Examples of insecticides effective for leaf beetles include carbaryl, permethrin, and bifenthrin. Apply insecticides according to label instructions.
Prevention
To prevent infestations of leaf beetles, follow these practices.
- Regularly check for beetles. To prevent large pest infestations, be proactive about frequently checking plants for pests and removing them quickly.
- Clear debris. Clear weeds and debris to remove areas where these beetles may overwinter and hide.
- Attract natural predators. Birds and other insects, such as wasps and ladybugs, are effective natural predators of leaf beetles. Encourage them to visit by including a diverse array of plants to provide habitat and food. Also, avoid applying broad-spectrum herbicides that can harm and kill beneficial insects.
- Plant aromatic herbs like mint, garlic, or rosemary, as these can repel leaf beetles.
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
More Info on Holly 'blue Princess' Growth and Care
Basic Care Guide
Common Pests & Diseases
Mealybug
Mealybug is a pest that infests Holly 'Blue Princess', causing yellowing and drop of leaves, weakening the plant. Immediate control measures are crucial to prevent significant damage.
Scale insect
Scale insects are a pest affecting 'Holly 'Blue Princess'' by sucking sap from the branches and leaves, leading to yellowing, stunted growth, and potentially plant death if infestations are severe.
Yellow edges
Yellow edges' is a fungal disease impacting the health and appearance of Holly 'Blue Princess', causing yellow discoloration and eventual browning of the plant's leaf margins. Untreated, the disease may compromise the plant's overall health and aesthetics.
Dark blotch
Dark blotch is a fungal disease impacting Holly 'Blue Princess', causing discoloration and stunt growth. The pathogen involved is 'Alternaria alternata', propelled by moisture conditions. It's moderately infectious but not lethal, manageable through manual, cultural and chemical methods.
Scars
Scars on Holly 'Blue Princess' are typically mechanical damage, not a disease. These wounds can impair growth and aesthetics but seldom cause severe health issues. Secondary infections might occur at the damaged site.
Whole plant withering
Whole plant withering dramatically impacts Holly 'Blue Princess', leading to the decline and potential death of the plant. This condition is caused by various biotic and abiotic stresses affecting plant health.
Leaf tip withering
Leaf tip withering is a fungal disease affecting Holly 'Blue Princess', causing noticeable discoloration, dehydration and curling of leaves. If left untreated, it may severely compromise the plant's overall health and appearance.
Leaf wilting
Leaf wilting affects Holly 'Blue Princess' by causing the foliage to droop and lose vigor, potentially leading to plant death if unaddressed. It can be a symptom of varied problems, including diseases, pests, or cultural issues.
Leaf blotch
Leaf blotch is a fungal disease affecting Holly 'Blue Princess', characterized by discolored lesions on leaves, potentially leading to premature leaf drop and reduced vigor.
Black mold
Black mold is a fungal disease that attacks 'Holly 'Blue Princess'', causing aesthetic and physiological damage. It thrives in damp conditions, leading to sooty leaves and potentially weakened plant health if not controlled.
Spots
Spots on Holly 'Blue Princess' are a common issue that can lead to aesthetic degradation and potential health decline of the plant. The disease is characterized by discolored lesions on the foliage.
White blotch
White blotch is a fungal disease that affects 'Holly 'Blue Princess'' causing discolored patches on leaves and potentially weakening the plant over time. It thrives in damp conditions and can spread if not managed.
Branch withering
Branch withering is a disease impacting Holly 'Blue Princess', causing its branches to dry out and die, potentially leading to severe defoliation and plant death if not managed promptly.
Leaf yellowing
Leaf yellowing disease affects Holly 'Blue Princess', causing discoloration and reduced plant vitality. This harmful disease is largely due to a lack of essential nutrients and other biotic factors, making it relatively common yet seriously impacting the plant's aesthetic and health.
Dark spots
Dark spots on Holly 'Blue Princess' are a common issue affecting foliage, leading to aesthetic decline and potential health deterioration of the plant.
Notch
Notch disease, affecting Holly 'Blue Princess', manifests primarily through discolored, notched leaves that can significantly weaken the plant. It favors humid, warm conditions and risks spreading quickly if untreated.
Non-base branch withering
Non-base branch withering is a disease affecting Holly 'Blue Princess', leading to premature withering and eventual death of its branches. This disease inhibits normal growth and reduces the ornamental value of the plant.
Whole leaf withering
Whole leaf withering, a disease affecting Holly 'Blue Princess', causes the leaves to shrivel and dry, leading to overall plant health decline. This guide covers its causes, symptoms, activity peaks, and curative measures.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
