Manhatten Euonymous

The green growth and blossom in the back and top of the shrub is similar to Manhatten Euonymous, a fast growing evergreen shrub that grows 6 to 8 ft. tall, 5 ft. wide. If this is a Euonymous, and we can’t be sure because we can’t clearly see the healthy growth in this image, the primary growth we can see is clearly stressed. Here are some suggestions. First, before you can manage whatever is causing the yellowed leaves and dieback (the branches with no leaves), you’ll want a positive identification of this shrub. We suggest taking a healthy branch with several leaves and a blossom and a branch with the yellowed leaves to a reputable nursery or your local extension office for a positive identification. Put the samples in separate plastic bags. Before you take samples in for identification, look at the base and bottom branches of the plant. See if there is any abnormal growth on the branches. Here’s a link from Clemson Extension Agency showing a gall on a Euonymous plant. Galls occur on Euonymous and cause general decline and yellow leaves – http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/pests/plant_pests/shrubs/hgic2054.html

You’ll want to refrain from pruning the dead branches back until you confirm this plant’s identity and know what’s causing the problem as some diseases, like galls, can be spread by pruning.