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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?
Sent from my iPhone
On Sep 16, 2024, at 10:05 PM, Ask Extension wrote:
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 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
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!
You're welcome!