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Actions for Coneflower Rosette Mites #839871

Asked July 10, 2023, 11:18 AM EDT

I have coneflowers with some symptoms that I believe to be mites. I've done some research and read the helpful articles (https://bygl.osu.edu/node/881) but I just wanted to clarify a couple things. I have about 7 mature plants and 2-3 seem unaffected, while others are to varying degrees. I know to remove damaged flowers to reduce populations and I've removed several that were missing petals, really disfigured in the center etc., but what about flowers that have minor damage? Not totally sure if those are caused by the mite, and it seems a shame to have to cut probably 60-75 developing flowers since I've seen pollinators still using them, but I certainly will if it will help long term. I'm attaching a few representative pics, should I cut all of these? (One of them, for example, looks almost totally normal aside from a little discoloration.) And I also read to cut all the foliage to the ground in the fall to prevent mites overwintering, should I leave the plants that seem unaffected or cut those down too to be safe? Thanks!

Montgomery County Ohio

Expert Response

If you go to the website gardenespath.com and go to the top at the magnifying glass which is the search box and type common issues with coneflowers and go down and click on identify and control coneflower pests and diseases. When you get to mites it talks about cutting your cone flowers to the ground in the fall to prevent overwintering. there is also a lot more information on care of coneflowers. Thanks for your question.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 12, 2023, 7:00 PM EDT

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