Spots on Russian Sage

17 years ago

My Russian sage is stunted, and has little brown spots all over it. Is this insect damage or a disease? What should I do about it? Can it be transferred to the Rudbeckia next to it?

Thanks!

Image link: {{!gwi}}

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

valentinetbear
17 years ago
I'm sorry for such a long delay in answering -- hope you found an answer before now. Only reason I discovered what might be your problem is because I have another kind of brown spot on another kind of plant, so was searching for answers.

Anyway, haven't found my answers yet, but might have something that would help you figure what's wrong with your poor Russian Sage, so you can figure out what to do next. Check out Figure 14 and Figure 16 on this page -- http://erec.ifas.ufl.edu/MG/mgmod3.htm -- isn't that your brown spots? Hopefully, if you do a search on what that site is saying is wrong with those leaves, you'll find the answer on how to treat it. If you disagree, which I can understand since it doesn't look exactly like your spots, I'm also thinking that it sure likes the spores on the bottom of ferns, so maybe it is spore related, and so, a fungus of some kind. Just an added thought, but be forewarn, I am NO Master Gardener. LOL Good luck, albeit belated.

Here is a link that might be useful: Stuffed animals gardening! LOL
User
17 years ago
Russian Sage, from what I read on most of the pages I looked at, is supposed to be disease-resistant and has no serious pests. The only diseases I could even find were Stem Blight and Mold. If such sites took the time to name the lesser pests and the potential diseases, such things would be a lot easier for people to track down. Here are two ideas I had for a possible cause for the brown spots on your Russian Sage.

When it comes to diseases, I agree with the idea that it may be a fungal spot of some sort, but it could also be a bacterial spot as well.

As for a pest, the only one I could find any mention of was on Dave's Garden. Someone mentioned that the Striped Cucumber Beetle attacked all their herbs except their lavender. And it also liked their Russian Sage. So maybe a Striped Cucumber Beetle is causing the problem. But don't hold me to that diagnosis. :)

Here's some info on the Striped Cucumber Beetle and it's control.

http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2139.html

http://www.uvm.edu/extension/publications/el/el68.htm

http://www.hort.uconn.edu/Ipm/veg/htms/cukbtltcrop.htm

I hope these help. None of the sites mention the same type of spots, but then again, most plants pictured and talked about that are affected Striped Cucumber Beetles aren't pest and disease resistant to begin with.
Related Discussions
Russian Sage
Q
Comments (3)
Russian sage is hardy to zone 4 but it needs full sun. I'm growing several plants in various beds around the garden but they're all full sun. So far this year there's no new growth on any of them but it's been an abnormally chilly spring here in the northeast. I wouldn't give up on it just yet.
...See More
russian sage
Q
Comments (4)
I almost bought a 'Little Spires' yesterday. I'm thinking about taking out my Perovskia after 15 years in the same bed because it is flopping & driving me crazy. Especially this year, since we've had a lot of rain. But regardless, I do have other things in the bed that need water and I do have clay soil. I heard that 'Little Spires' remains upright, so if anyone has that variety, how is it doing?
...See More
Has anyone had any luck with Russian Sage "Little Spires"?
Q
Comments (13)
My experience with Russian Sage was a failure. I started a bunch of plants from seed. I had good germination and planted the seedlings in the garden to start. My garden tends to be very gravelly. They wintered okay. I donÃ¢ÂÂt remember how long I left them there, but when I attempted to move them about the yard I eventually lost them all. They didnÃ¢ÂÂt die outright, but took forever to come up in the spring and never reached their potential. I gave up on them. Then I tried the same thing with agastache. Seedlings actually wintered in their little cell packs. I thought that I was going to regret planting this hardy plant in my perennial bed. It was lovely but seemed so hardy. I thought it would seed all over, since it was so easy from seed. None are left! But wait, I think IÃ¢ÂÂve found something that looks like it in a forgotten corner! I really think it may not be so much a hardiness issue though. If you have the right conditions for the plant, I mean the correct PH and soil type, etc. maybe youÃ¢ÂÂll have success. However, IÃ¢ÂÂve had the same experience of having a plant grow successfully for years then upon losing it for some reason or other, having every replacement die immediately or the first winter. Two that come to mind are monarda and sedum Ã¢ÂÂAutumn JoyÃ¢ÂÂ. Some of your disappointments are growing successfully in my yard, Donna. I have several clumps of veronicastrum or culverÃ¢ÂÂs root doing quite well. I started them from seed. Not sure I like them yet. This should be the year to tell. Sea holly thrives in my gravelly garden. I know someone who has turtlehead growing naturally out at the lake here. But the others you mentioned, coreopsis, helenium, tiarella, IÃ¢ÂÂve tried and failed with. I can add echinacia to that list. I've always wondered about that theory about single specimens being hardier than the rest. I have some plants rated zone 4 growing happily in my yard. Is it a fluke or were they just rated wrong to start with. I guess thatÃ¢ÂÂs part of what makes gardening such a great hobby though. ThereÃ¢ÂÂs always surprises to balance out the disappointments.
...See More
A coulple of silly questions: Bee Balm, Veronica, Russian Sage
Q
Comments (7)
Hello carol6ma and digginthedirt! Thanks for your feedback. Diggin, the situation is a disappointment! Well said. So, I think you may be on to something when you mention the soil prep. I probably didn't do much other than dig a 2ft x 2ft hole and like I mentioned, threw some compost, and usually a little bone meal if I have it on hand. Yes, the bee balm and veronica are in a bed and most everything else in it is happy. That would include, some day lilies, several Clematis, a rose, a lace cap Hydrangea, Rudebekia, Phlox, Obedient Plant and Lupine. Although, I did have a Shasta Daisy and a Penstemon that didnt make it past season one. I'm thinking drainage may be my issue. If that is the case, could I dig up the bee balm, and sort of "fix" the hole with sand and more rocks, and replant? Same with the Veronica? I really like both of those plants, so I'm hoping to find a solution to keep them. But to be honest, I dont really notice clay in my soil and usually find that it is rich, brown and full of fist sized rocks. (that are quite difficult to remove!) As for the Russian Sage, it is located at the top of the hill in our pool area, which I imagine was created when all the dirt was removed from the hole dug for the pool. Its quite dry up there, and has been a challenge for me to grow much, except for Tiger Lilies. My mom politely reminded me that they'll grow in an empty ditch...so that doesn't say much. That is why I added the compost when planting the sage. But perhaps its a matter of right plant, wrong spot. I will send off a soil sample as you suggested. I imagine it will offer some great insight to my dilemna(s)! Thanks again, Tulipsmiles Thanks again to you both!
...See More

Related Stories

SPRING GARDENING Great Design Plant: Russian Sage

By Annie Thornton

Silvery stems in winter and a haze of purple blooms in spring and summer make this spiky plant a year-round performer in the garden

Full Story

FLOWERS AND PLANTS Hummingbird Sage Lures Wildlife With Its Sweet, Fruity Fragrance

By Oakley Gardens

This native California ground cover thrives with little water on grassy slopes, under trees or in patio containers

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Autumn Sage Brings Color and Butterflies

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Whether you live in the arid desert or the humid South, you'll likely find this deer-resistant beauty as irresistible as winged creatures do

Full Story

FLOWERS AND PLANTS White Sage Shimmers in the Water-Wise Garden

By Oakley Gardens

California native Salvia Apiana features silvery-green foliage and seasonal flowers that bees, hummingbirds and butterflies love

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES How to Spot a Drought-Tolerant Plant

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Label? Who needs a label? Learn the characteristics of plants that can thrive in hot, dry conditions to help you pick the right ones

Full Story

COLOR Get a Soft Spot for Sea-Glass Green

By Rachel Grace

Soften a room's look by washing its walls in this delightfully airy shade, no sand in your shoes required

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Callirhoe Involucrata Wakes Up Hot Garden Spots

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

Give a dry and sunny garden a jolt of violet-pink color summer to fall — and watch bees and butterflies flock to the nectar

Full Story

SUMMER GARDENING 10 Perennials to Extend Your Garden's Summer Color

By LuAnn Brandsen

Revive summer-weary gardens with outstanding late bloomers such as toad lily, Russian sage, blanket flower and more

Full Story

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Elegant and Modern in San Francisco

By Vanessa Brunner

San Francisco designer Chloe Warner puts a new twist on modern style in this Russian Hill apartment

Full Story

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Lake Views Lead a Luxury Vermont Home

By Mary Prince Photography

An idyllic waterfront vista, an indoor sauna and a four-star game room keep wintertime cabin fever in check for two Russian expats

Full Story

Spots on Russian Sage

Comments (2)

valentinetbear

User

Related Discussions

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US