Knowledgebase

powdery mildew recurring on Blanket Flowers x 3 years #885463

Asked September 16, 2024, 4:04 PM EDT

Have tried removing the white spotted leaves but that is almost all of the leaves.  And it doesn't keep it from forming on the leaves left.  Do I need to remove the plants and their mulch and start over with new soil and plants?  Or could I do this in spring when the Blanket Flowers start to emerge so I can remove them carefullly and then put the same ones back in the ground?  They get nice flowers that the bees love.  The beds are only about 3' x 3' , one on each side of my back door porch steps.  Any advice appreciated.

Wayne County Michigan

Expert Response

Hi- how spaced out are your plants? Is there decent airflow? 

Thank you for your question!  Replied September 16, 2024, 10:05 PM EDT
Thank you for your quick response!  There is nothing not one plant in each bd space but I have been putting annuals in there, too. 


Sent from my iPhone

On Sep 16, 2024, at 10:05 PM, Ask Extension wrote:


The Question Asker Replied September 17, 2024, 11:04 AM EDT

I'm going to resend my earlier answer with mistakes corrected, and my apology.  My cell phone likes to autocorrect to different words.  Here's what I intended to send you, and, I will incude a picture this time. 


 Thank you for your quick response earlier today! There is only one plant in each bed space but I have been planting annuals in the space, too.
The Question Asker Replied September 17, 2024, 5:05 PM EDT

Thank you for the picture! Unfortunately, powdery mildew spores could come from miles away, but airflow is a very common reason it would spread, which is why I asked that first. If everything infected isn't removed right away, it's likely to stick around and reinfect the plant again later. The mulch should probably be removed, as it could be infected. This plant likes dry, well-draining soil, and full sun. How often and when are you watering it? 


There are a few methods that may work, alone or in combination- cutting it down to 6 inches and removing any mildew in the fall,- this would be my first choice, along with new mulch, not too close to this plant, 

-or: planting something not prone to powdery mildew in that place next year, depending on the variety of blanket flower you could collect it's seeds, or only keeping the best portion of your plant for one bed. Fungicides or horticulture oils are options, last ditch efforts, if you were open to them, in an attempt to prevent it next year. 


Some resources:

https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/powdery-mildew-flower-garden 


https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/blanket-flower-gaillardia-spp/ 

 

https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/powdery-mildew-on-ornamentals/pest-notes/#gsc.tab=0 


Thank you for your question!  Replied September 17, 2024, 8:40 PM EDT
Thank you for the advice and prompt response!  After reading it I believe I will move the two plants this fall.  One last question: Should I do this after first cutting them to six inches and removing all of their leaves and shaking soil off of their roots? I will move them to another drier, sunnier location for a better life for them.  
On Tue, Sep 17, 2024 at 8:40 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied September 18, 2024, 1:51 PM EDT

You can cut them down and remove the mildewy leaves a few weeks before you move them. The goal being to keep as many of the mildew spores away from the new location and not upsetting the plant by changing everything too quickly. Happy planting!

Thank you for your question!  Replied September 18, 2024, 2:02 PM EDT
I will be slow and gentle with the process.  I respect them as an alternative life form!  Thank you again!
On Wed, Sep 18, 2024 at 2:02 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied September 18, 2024, 2:12 PM EDT

You're welcome!

Thank you for your question!  Replied September 18, 2024, 2:54 PM EDT

Loading ...