Rake up and destroy all fallen leaves and spray with thiophanate-methyl. Read and follow all directions on the label. Anthracnose is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum species. Symptoms consist of small, brownish spots with light-colored centers on the leaves and twigs. Tiny cracks in the leaf spots indicate fruiting structures of the fungus.
Considerable defoliation can result.
The disease is a problem during cool, wet springs. Variegated varieties are more susceptible. Rake up and destroy leaves and twigs from infected plants. On smaller plants, prune off and destroy all infected growth at the first sign of infection. Severe outbreaks may be prevented with periodic applications of chloro- thalonil or copper sprays.