Powdery Mildew on Myositis Blue Ball

catman

I have planted two myositis 'blue ball' in the garden in March however a powdery mildew started forming on one two weeks ago and it is now completely covered and it has started to form on the second now. Is there anything I can do to get rid of this or should I remove them before it spreads to other plants. Its such a pity as they were the only colour in the garden for the past month and were growing great.

Liparis · Posted: Fri May 29, 2009 8:33 am Post subject:

Can you show a clear, sharp photograph? It's a strange way for powdery mildew to work, I would have expected it to affect both plants at the same time as the conditions and reasons would effect both at the same time.
Bill.

Sive · Posted: Fri May 29, 2009 11:47 am Post subject:

I constantly used to get that mildew (or whatever it is) on myosotis in my first garden many years ago, and I actually just gave up on growing it at all as it always looked awful and I got rid of all the affected plants. I don't remember it spreading to anything else in the garden though.
I'm afraid I don't like to garden with chemicals, so I won't grow anything that needs sprays (potatoes being the only exception)....maybe it's a bit of laziness too! If the plants are happy, I'm happy!

Liparis · Posted: Sat May 30, 2009 11:21 am Post subject:

Perhaps it's a mldew whhich is pecific to Mysotis. I can't think of one though, that may be why it started on one then progressed through to the other.
Bill.

michael brenock · Posted: Sat May 30, 2009 1:32 pm Post subject:

yes that powdery mildew is specific to Myosotis and some varieties only as well as the wild one from which the disease usually spreads. i agree with the policy of not spraying where it is unnecessary.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

catman · Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2009 11:30 pm Post subject:

Sorry bout the delay in getting back, I was away for the weekend. I'll get a couple of snaps tomorrow and see what you think.
I noticed tonight that there are some new leaves sprouted and they are green and soft and do not have any of the mildew. Any new leaves which sprouted previously came out with the mildew on them and were dry and crispy. Maybe the lack of rain and soggy soil over the past week has slowed it down slightly.

catman · Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 10:32 pm Post subject:

Hi sorry about the delay in getting back but for one reason and then another I have only been able to get out to the garden this evening. Attached are the photo's of the Myositis with the powdery mildew. Overthe past week a number of new leaves have started to sprout on both and appear to be with out the mildew but the older leaves which have it are dying. Is there anything I can do?

Liparis · Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 8:14 am Post subject:

Looks to me like the plants are fighting back, plus conditions are probably less favourable for the mildew.
I would pick off the affected leaves, I know tedious, and burn them. Spray with a fungicide and keep an eye on them. Spores will be down in that bark, another downside of using bark mulch, it's never composted properly these days, it may even have arrived in the bark, so damp humid weather may well see it come back. Spray with the fungicide as soon as (if) you see it begin again. Don't wait until it gets so bad otherwise you will never get on top of it.
Bill.