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Viburnum

Why is my viburnum losing its leaves?

It is less common for viburnums to drop leaves suddenly unless they are reacting to a major change in their environment or a pest infestation. Check the underside of the leaves for small beetles or signs of powdery mildew first.

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Check these first

  1. Look closely at the leaves for holes or beetles.
  2. Check for a white powdery substance on the foliage.
  3. Ensure the plant is not in a drafty area.

Likely causes

  1. Viburnum Leaf Beetle

    Most likely

    How to tell: Leaves look skeletonized with holes or missing tissue between the veins.

    What to do: Pick off any beetles you see by hand. Use an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to treat the foliage according to the label instructions.

  2. Powdery Mildew

    Possible

    How to tell: Leaves have a white, dusty coating and may yellow before falling off.

    What to do: Improve air circulation around the plant. Apply a fungicide or a mixture of water and baking soda to the affected leaves.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your viburnum

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.

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When to worry

If the plant is losing a large number of leaves rapidly, it is a serious issue. It is normal for a few older leaves to drop as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the foliage dry when watering and inspect the plant regularly for pests.

Viburnum: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your viburnum and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Will the leaves grow back?
Yes, once the underlying issue is resolved, the plant will produce new growth. It may take a full growing season to look full again.
Is leaf drop always a sign of a disease?
Not always. Sometimes it is just a reaction to a sudden change in light or temperature.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Viburnum

Back to the Viburnum guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.