Knowledgebase
Coral honeysuckle sickness #872798
Asked June 12, 2024, 1:05 PM EDT
Macomb County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
I’m sorry to hear about your coral honeysuckle’s condition. The issue you’re describing could be related to powdery mildew or leaf spots, common problems for Lonicera sempervirens, especially in hot and humid climates. More information at this link:
Here are some potential causes and considerations:
Powdery Mildew and Leaf Spots: These fungal diseases thrive in humid conditions and can be exacerbated by poor air circulation around the plant. They appear as white powdery spots or discolored patches on leaves and stems. More information at these links:
Honeysuckle | Texas Plant Disease Handbook (tamu.edu)
Watering Practices: Overhead irrigation can contribute to the spread of fungal diseases. It’s best to water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry. More information at this link:
Honeysuckle | Texas Plant Disease Handbook (tamu.edu)
Plant Nutrition: High nitrogen fertilizer can promote lush foliage growth at the expense of flowers and may also make the plant more susceptible to fungal diseases. More information at this link:
Air Circulation: Good air circulation is important to prevent fungal diseases. If the plant is too dense, consider thinning it out to improve airflow.
Sunlight: Coral honeysuckle prefers full sun, and while it can tolerate some shade, too much shade can reduce flowering and increase susceptibility to mildew. More information at this link:
To manage these issues, you may consider the following steps:
Prune the plant after flowering to promote new growth and improve air circulation.
Avoid overhead watering and water at the base to keep the leaves dry.
Reduce high nitrogen fertilization if you’ve been using it.
Apply a fungicide, if necessary, but use a product recommended for coral honeysuckle and follow the label instructions carefully.
I recommend you send all your images by e-mail to the MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab for a confirmed and precise diagnosis. The experts there can also provide you with the best treatment options. Their email is <personal data hidden>. Please include your name. The lab will let you know if they need a sample sent. FYI, the lab may also ask for additional images.
Their website is at this link:
Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)
Their Contact Information is at this link:
Contact Us - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)
This link will explain the details of submitting a sample to MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab:
Submit Samples - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)
I hope this helps!