It’s nearly impossible to summarize in a general discussion the multiplicity of diseases and insects that affect shrubs. Some species are virtually disease free while others are magnets for any number of pests. Before planting some shrub you fell in love with on a national gardening show, ask a local nursery professional if it’s a good choice for your area. 

Many common fungus diseases, such as black spot, powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot can be prevented and controlled with a regular fungicide treatment program. These treatments should begin before disease conditions exist (heat and humidity, for example), and continue faithfully until those conditions no longer are present. 

Insect pests common to a variety of shrubs include aphids, whiteflies, scale, mealybugs, leafminers, leafhoppers, and slugs and snails. Insect can not only do damage directly, by feeding on leaves and sucking juices, but they can also be vectors (carriers) of plant diseases, or create injuries that allow diseases easier entry into plant tissue. After identifying the insect pests, control them with insecticidal soap, neem oil, pyrethrin, or other insect spray.

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