Could anyone help me identify this plant and the disease it has (so I can treat?)

[nicolamilsom]

Hello.

I would love some advice on what kind of plant I have growing along the window of my south-facing loungeroom. It produces yellow flowers in the summer and autumn.

It appears to have a disease and I'd love to treat it (I have already applied a fertiliser).

Any help would be very much appreciated.

Nicola

[mich1972]

Good morning @nicolamilsom sending you a big Spring welcome to the Workshop Community. 😃 This is a great question and a common Pest ! It’s Spider Mites. They are tiny to see but you can see all the damage they do. Spider Mites rasp and suck, suck out all the nutrients and the leaves turn a silvery grey. I can suggest to cut out the badly affected leaves and then give it a thorough spray of Yates Natursoap. This is a good one to use. Eco Neem Oil is another good one for Spider Mites. Please ensure you wear the appropriate PPE when spraying, gloves, mask, long sleeve shirt, safety glasses. 
Don’t spray on a windy day and don’t spray in the heat of the day, early morning or late afternoon/evening. 

[EricL]

Hello @nicolamilsom 

Looking at the leaf pattern it appears to be Australian Laurel. Let me tag @Noelle for a second opinion on the plant's identity. It's great that you've received excellent advice from @mich1972. I totally agree with using Yates 200ml Nature's Way Vegie And Herb Concentrate (Natra Soap) or Eco Neem Oil. I only suggest making sure to spray the bottom of the leaves as well.

Please make sure to remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and an appropriate mask. Please make sure to read and follow the safety precautions at the back of the bottle.  

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Noelle]

I agree with @EricL re the identity and with @mich1972  re the problem and how to control it.  This same pest can cause identical symptoms on azaleas too, so if you have any in your garden be sure to be proactive, keep an eye on them and treat at the first signs.

[nicolamilsom]

Many thanks @Noelle, @EricL and @mich1972. I really appreciate your advice. 

[Noyade]

I have no idea what this shrub is, but it was nearly dead with the same leaf problem. I went to a nursery and they suggested the spray seen below - which never helped.

So I cut it all back and even debated removing it completely - but amazingly, it grew back. Now I know what to get next time...

Wrong solution?