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Powdery mildew(?) diagnosis and remedy #800825

Asked July 12, 2022, 8:41 PM EDT

Hello - I just moved to a new house and am getting acquainted with the new plants. After returning from vacation I noticed that two of the shrubs are coated in what looks like powdery mildew. Want to confirm that it is what I think it is, and what if anything I should be doing (or if just to leave it alone). Both shrubs are somewhat overgrown, so it's on my list to prune them whenever it makes most sense. I don't know if the overgrowth makes them more susceptible. Appreciate any feedback on how to best care for these two species. Thank you! Shrub 1 - High bush cranberry (?) Shrub 2 - Magnolia. I noticed tonight that this one was also strangely covered in flies. Mildew or whatever it is is coating many of the smaller branches.

Ramsey County Minnesota

Expert Response

The cranberry has powdery mildew and it is best to avoid overhead watering. Water it from underneath and avoid leaf splash. 
Here is more information about the shrub.
https://trees.umn.edu/highbush-cranberry-viburnum-opulus

Cultural control of powdery mildew

  • Plant in full sun.
  • Plant resistant varieties such as Viburnum burkwoodii'Mohawk' and V. carlecephalum 'Cayuga'.
  • Rake and destroy fallen leaves
  • Space plants and prune to provide good air circulation.

The magnolia looks like it has magnolia scale.
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/scale-insects
https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/insect/trees-shrubs/not-obvious/magnoliascale.html

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