Stewartia Bud Drop and Leaf Scorch: Thrips and Soil Issues

Stewartia Bud Drop and Leaf Scorch: Thrips and Soil Issues

A young stewartia with brown leaf margins and flower buds that enlarge then drop brown may have two issues: thrips (tiny, fast insects) damaging buds, and root stress from water/nutrient imbalance causing leaf scorch.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Tap buds over white paper; thrips appear as slender, yellow-brown slivers. Treat with spinosad or neem oil.
• Get a soil test (Extension office) to check pH, salts, and nutrients. High salts cause marginal leaf burn.
• Water deeply but infrequently; stewartias need moist, well-drained, acidic soil.
• Mulch with pine bark to maintain acidity and moisture.

Correcting root-zone conditions often restores bud set and leaf health.