What is wrong with my pyracanthas?
Frances Mulvey, Abbeydale, Gloucester
Stefan says: You say your pyracantha bushes flower beautifully every year and initially produce masses of berries, but after they ripen they turn brown very rapidly and dry up. You’ve noticed that birds feed on them but give up when they turn brown, and you ask if whatever’s attacking them causes the berries to be poisonous to the birds, and should you get rid of the bushes?
I think the berries may become less palatable to the birds but I doubt they’ll be poisonous, so do please persevere. The bushes are affected by a common disease called pyracantha scab, a problem related to the familiar scab we see on apples, pears and other fruits. Be sure to clear up all fallen leaves and fruits and cut out any shoots bearing many affected berries. Also, try spraying with one of the products recommended for apple scab, following the instructions regarding timing.