mildew

:( What causes it? I'm presuming it's something to do with all this rain? It's not on everything, but namely:

Honeysuckle (which is in a pot)
Scabious
Geum
Speedwell

It doesn't seem to be affecting the growth of the plants, but certainly doesn't look very nice, or will it cause more problems if left untreated? What's the best way to get rid of it?

Any advice apreciated.

 

Hi Bekimac. My understanding is that mildew is a fungus that is always in the air around us. Its a bit like the common cold, but whether plants catch it or not depends on circumstances. It grows in damp conditions, but plants are most susceptable when they are stressed. Consequently plant get it most often when they are stressed by drought - ie lack of water. And a bout of rain will often help prevent mildew. But too much rain can produce damp conditions, which it likes.

I think that it doesn't do too much harm. But it is certainly unsightly. Circulation of fresh air helps. I think that it depends on your local circumstances. Asters can get it badly, but I spoke one day to Paul Picton, who has the national Aster collection at his nursery in the Malvern hills, and he said he never does anything - he never gets it where he is.

You can use a fungal spray - but as its in the air its likely to come back if the conditions suit it. Air circulation is probably the best you can do.

 

Cheers PeterS, thanks for all your info. My plants are stressed out?! :eek: :D
I'll ask around, maybe it's summat to do with the area?
I'll get meself some fungal spray. Not sure how to circulate the air any more.

 

Hi Beki, it`s not only drought that will stress a plant it`s also too much water, which is what we are getting. At the moment the conditions are perfect for botrytis (mildew). You really need to spray with a fungicide preferably a joint contact/systemic spray, but failing that use a systemic fungicide. David.

 

Thankyou v much David x