Bells of Ireland dying - Ask Extension
Can you help me diagnose the issue with my bells of Ireland. They were doing well until we had rain yesterday.
Knowledgebase
Bells of Ireland dying #798706
Asked June 29, 2022, 10:00 PM EDT
Can you help me diagnose the issue with my bells of Ireland. They were doing well until we had rain yesterday.
Mason County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Susan,
It appears that your Bells of Ireland have a fungus called Cercospora leaf spot. Cercospora leaf spot is caused by the fungus Cercospora beticola and occurs when conditions are favorable (high temperatures, high humidity, long leaf wetness periods at night).
Fungicides are available to manage Cercospora leaf spot. Many of the conventional products used to prevent black spot of roses will also protect against Cercospora leaf spot. These fungicides contain the active ingredient chlorothalonil (OrthoMax Garden Disease Control) and myclobutanil (Immunox). If you choose to use a fungicide, be sure to read and follow the directions carefully. Usually a fungicide works best when applied before any sign of the fungus. However, it could minimize the problem if used on an infected plant.
There are a few cultural practices that you can use to control this fungus. 1. Avoid overhead watering. 2. Clean up any fallen leaves especially in the fall. Remove any heavily infected leaves and flowers. 3. If the plant is too heavily infected, remove it from the garden. 4. Avoid planting the Bells in the same area as you did this year.
A note about Bells of Ireland: Bells of Ireland prefers full sun and regular water. Water during drought periods and fertilize monthly for best results. They do not do well in summer in hot, humid climates.
If you see the whole plant wilting, which I did not see in the pictures, this could be a more serious problem like root rot or verticillium wilt. Both conditions would probably kill your plants, so be mindful of those conditions and contact us again if you see any of those conditions.
It appears that your Bells of Ireland have a fungus called Cercospora leaf spot. Cercospora leaf spot is caused by the fungus Cercospora beticola and occurs when conditions are favorable (high temperatures, high humidity, long leaf wetness periods at night).
Fungicides are available to manage Cercospora leaf spot. Many of the conventional products used to prevent black spot of roses will also protect against Cercospora leaf spot. These fungicides contain the active ingredient chlorothalonil (OrthoMax Garden Disease Control) and myclobutanil (Immunox). If you choose to use a fungicide, be sure to read and follow the directions carefully. Usually a fungicide works best when applied before any sign of the fungus. However, it could minimize the problem if used on an infected plant.
There are a few cultural practices that you can use to control this fungus. 1. Avoid overhead watering. 2. Clean up any fallen leaves especially in the fall. Remove any heavily infected leaves and flowers. 3. If the plant is too heavily infected, remove it from the garden. 4. Avoid planting the Bells in the same area as you did this year.
A note about Bells of Ireland: Bells of Ireland prefers full sun and regular water. Water during drought periods and fertilize monthly for best results. They do not do well in summer in hot, humid climates.
If you see the whole plant wilting, which I did not see in the pictures, this could be a more serious problem like root rot or verticillium wilt. Both conditions would probably kill your plants, so be mindful of those conditions and contact us again if you see any of those conditions.
