Unlike most varieties of privet, the golden privet does not have green leaves, but rather yellow, almost gold-colored leaves. It is also not evergreen, but loses its leaves in autumn and winter. If the leaves fall off earlier, there may be diseases or pest infestation.
Why is my golden privet losing its leaves?
The golden privet naturally loses its leaves in autumn and winter. In spring and summer, however, drought, nutrient-poor soil, pest infestation (black weevil larvae, privet aphid) and fungal diseases (leaf spot fungus) can cause leaves to fall off prematurely.
Gold privet loses its leaves in autumn
Many gardeners believe that privet is an evergreen plant because some species carry their foliage well into the winter. However, that does not correspond to the facts. During the cold season, every privet sheds its leaves - some earlier, others later.
If the leaves of the golden privet fall off in autumn and winter, it is a completely natural matter that does not have to worry you.
The leaves of the golden privet fall off in summer
It looks different when the golden privet loses its leaves in spring or summer. The following things can be responsible for this:
- Privet has dried up
- too nutrient-poor soil
- Infestation by black weevil larvae
- Infestation by privet aphid
- Fungal diseases
Privet doesn't like it completely dry, but not too moist either. The younger the shrub or hedge, the more often you need to water it in dry times. Later, watering is no longer necessary as often because the privet has then formed a sufficient root system.
If the soil is very poor in nutrients, you should fertilize it with compost (€12.00 on Amazon) and horn shavings.
Infestation by black weevil and privet aphid
The larvae of the black weevil eat the roots and thus prevent water absorption. That's why the golden privet dries up after a while and drops its leaves.
An infestation by the privet aphid occurs in spring and is shown by the leaves curling up and later falling off.
If the infestation is not very severe, the golden privet can handle it on its own. If there is a very heavy pest infestation, use nematodes for the black weevil and lacewings and ladybirds for the privet aphid.
Fungal diseases cause falling leaves
If the leaves have many spots, an infestation by leaf spot fungus is likely.
Cut off affected branches and dispose of them with household waste.
Tip
If green-leaved varieties of privet such as Privet atrovirens have yellow leaves, this is a sign of fungal infection. It is caused by the leaf spot fungus.
