do you wish us simply to confirm your suspicions.. or offer alternatives ..

if the latter.. include big city name.. weather since last spring.. how old the plant are in situ.. etc ... how you water.. soil type.. etc...

most problems in the garden are irrational ... lol ...

ken

Sorry, thanks Ken - These bushes are probably 5 years old now. I am located in Zone 6 (New England). Never have done a soil test as I haven't seen issues with them until the past two years. They are planted in a simple mulch bed and watered deeply once or twice a week. I do not wrap them in the winter to protect from snow/ice. This spring has been much more mild than years past but rain fall has been average...Just trying to determine what I am dealing with and, best possible treatments without harming them...Thanks!

Consider calling your local USDA Extension office and seeing if you can take them leaf samples for diagnosis.

Hi tmo84, I’m wondering if you ever got any answer or were able to fix the situation? I’m having the exact same problem (also New England, basically the same conditions/bed/etc as your description). I’m hoping it’s alkaline and not anthracnose!