Troubleshooting
Tamarix-leaf Savin Juniper problems — and how to fix them
Tamarix-leaf Savin Juniper (Juniperus sabina 'Tamariscifolia') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Phomopsis tip blight
Brown, dead shoot tips appearing in spring are a sign of this common fungal disease; favoured by wet weather. Remove and dispose of infected material, improve air flow, and apply copper fungicide preventively.
Honey fungus (Armillaria spp.)
A serious soilborne pathogen that causes yellowing foliage and sudden dieback; white mycelial fans visible under bark at the base. There is no cure — remove and destroy infected plants and their roots; do not replant susceptible species in the same spot.
Juniper webworm (Dichomeris marginella)
Larvae web together and feed on foliage inside the plant, causing browning and dieback of interior shoots. Prune out affected areas and apply appropriate insecticide if infestation is severe.
Prevent tamarix-leaf savin juniper problems before they start
Most tamarix-leaf savin juniper issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Tamarix-leaf Savin Juniper problems — FAQ
Why is my tamarix-leaf savin juniper phomopsis tip blight?
Brown, dead shoot tips appearing in spring are a sign of this common fungal disease; favoured by wet weather. Remove and dispose of infected material, improve air flow, and apply copper fungicide preventively.
Why is my tamarix-leaf savin juniper honey fungus (armillaria spp.)?
A serious soilborne pathogen that causes yellowing foliage and sudden dieback; white mycelial fans visible under bark at the base. There is no cure — remove and destroy infected plants and their roots; do not replant susceptible species in the same spot.
Why is my tamarix-leaf savin juniper juniper webworm (dichomeris marginella)?
Larvae web together and feed on foliage inside the plant, causing browning and dieback of interior shoots. Prune out affected areas and apply appropriate insecticide if infestation is severe.