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Amsonia tabermontana

14 years ago

I have several of these plants and this year, for the first time, they are just covered with rust. We have had alot of rain the last several weeks, so I blame that.

What should I do? If I cut them to the ground (which is what I want to do), will I just force new growth that may get cold damage? Typically, our first frost is in early to mid November.

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Comments (3)

ladywindsurfer
14 years ago
If you have another host plant nearby that has the rust fungi, then it can be spread by splashing water or rain, rust is worse when weather is moist.
The rust spores are usually spread by wind and can travel several miles.
Amsonia tabernaemontana is particularly susceptible to rust infection and you may need to apply a specific fungicide in the spring to control it. Check the label for one that is specifically formulated for rust control. Begin spraying when new growth appears and repeat 5-6 times at 7-10 day intervals.
Some Horticulturists recommend removing infected plant parts as soon as the symptoms appear, others recommend waiting until frost and then remove the stems and clean the entire area of all plant parts, disposing of the debris well away from the garden (sealed plastic bag in the local landfill)?
You might also check any Cedars, Junipers & Hawthorns in your garden, to see if they have a rust infection. Those are the most likely hosts for rust fungi, but it can infect many other species of plants.
The rust fungi probably won't cause any major damage to the plants, it is just an unsightly disease. :Good luck!
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laceyvail 6A, WV
14 years ago
Cutting it back would be no problem at all. Your talking about a perennial not a woody. So what if the new growth is frost damaged. That's what happens to perennials in winter anyhow.
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Donna
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you to you both. Great info, lady, and you're right, lacey. Just didn't think of it in that way. As soon as it stops raining long enough to get into the bed, I will cut it back hard and send the infected plants to the dump. My crinum bulbs have a bit of rust every year without fail. I wonder if they're the culprits. I have one cedar tree that I have not noticed any problems with. Will look closely.

I am not going to over worry about it. This has been an extremely weird three weeks with temps running nearly ten degrees below normal and rain nearly everyday in our typically first or second dryest month of the year.

I was finally caught up on garden chores, and now, suddenly, the fall list is looming and there's been no chance to work out in days and days....
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