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Coneflower wilt #834456

Asked June 07, 2023, 8:47 PM EDT

Some Purple native coneflowers exhibit wilting stems on two plants so far amongst a large bed of coneflowers. Occurred last year. Stems dried up and removed. Did not seem to spread. Happening again this year. Doesn’t seem to be borer damage. Blight?

Wayne County Michigan

Expert Response

Sclerotinia blight is a plant disease that causes wilting then death of the purple coneflower. Signs of the disease include dark brown or black lesions at the soil line and just above. The roots are rotted and black.


Here are some ways to treat it:

  • Use sterile, well-drained soil media.
  • Space plants for good air circulation.
  • Remove and destroy infected plants.
  • Rotate with less susceptible crops such as alyssum, daffodil, salvia, pansy, or ornamental grasses for at least 3 years.

Thank you for your question and have a great gardening summer.


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