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Rose of Sharon problem

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From: Chris Wyrtzen City: Athens, GA
I have a 3 year old Rose of Sharon - the smaller bush that only grows to 5-8 ft. tall. It is 2 ft. It starts out beautifully. Blooms are beautiful - but at mid-summer, all the leaves fall off the stalks except for the top. The top 3" keeps its leaves and they look healthy. But the shrub is ugly with nothing but wood showing. What's wrong?
	Extension Message From: Richard Hentschel Extension Educator, Horticulture DuPage/Kane/Kendall Unit hentsche@illinois.edu
I suspect that your Rose of Sharon is suffering from one of several leaf spot diseases. Once infected, the leaves will fall off. Fungal leaf spot disease is usually preventable with foliar applications 2-3 times per season, perhaps more where you are. Consider contacting your local extension office for a more focused answer and treatment.
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