Will my plant die if it loses all its leaves in summer?

It is very stressful for the plant, but it may recover if you address the cause quickly. Provide consistent water and monitor for new growth.

Do I need to use chemical pesticides?

Usually not. Hand picking or using gentle soaps is enough to manage sawfly larvae without harming beneficial insects.

Red Osier Dogwood: leaf drop, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of leaves for small larvae.
Check the soil moisture level with your finger.
Look for signs of wilting or scorched edges.

Likely causes

Dogwood sawfly larvae
Possible
How to tell: You will see skeletonized leaves where the tissue between veins is eaten away. Look closely for yellow or green larvae feeding in groups.
What to do: Pick the larvae off by hand if the infestation is small. For larger outbreaks, spray the foliage with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days until they are gone.
Severe drought
Possible
How to tell: The soil feels bone dry several inches down and the remaining leaves look brittle or scorched. This plant needs consistent moisture to thrive.
What to do: Water the plant deeply until the soil is moist 6 to 10 inches deep. Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base to help hold that moisture in.

Find out what's wrong with your red osier dogwood

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

It is normal for a few leaves to drop in late autumn as the plant prepares for dormancy. Be concerned if you see significant defoliation during the peak of summer.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently moist throughout the first year and monitor the foliage weekly for signs of insect activity.

Keep your red osier dogwood healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Will my plant die if it loses all its leaves in summer?: It is very stressful for the plant, but it may recover if you address the cause quickly. Provide consistent water and monitor for new growth.
Do I need to use chemical pesticides?: Usually not. Hand picking or using gentle soaps is enough to manage sawfly larvae without harming beneficial insects.

Why is my Red Osier Dogwood dropping leaves?