What is wrong with fireside

[DorthyP]

I noticed that some leaves are white and some branches lost their leaves. Any suggestions what to do? Thanks

 

[Del_]

It might not like so much cedar mulch around it. Lots of woody shrubs can get stem rot. Ditto for hostas although yours look fine. Mulch invites southern blight in herbaceous perennials.

Pull some of the mulch away from the stems and take a look. If you see bark missing or bark with a white growth on it some fungi is liking that environment and feeding on the stems.

Here's a expert on mulch:

http://puyallup.wsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/403/2015/03/wood-chip-pathogens.pdf