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Brunnera disease? Black spots on Jack Frost

17 years ago

I have a row of JF Brunnera planted against a change of level in my garden so that they get morning sun and afternoon shade. They are the glory of garden in spring but several of them always develop dark purplish spots (actually little squares) covering all or a portion of individual leaves. The spots are unsightly but don't seem to hurt the plant in any way. I've taken to pulling the affected leaves off, but when new ones grow back, they quickly develop the same problem. About 1/3 of the plants get spots, a couple of them look just awful.

Any idea what this could be? Everything I've read about Jack Frost says that it is pretty free of pests and diseases but I came across several other postings where people mentioned that their JFs also have this same problem.

Thanks for any advice! Jannabeen

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Comments (2)

IanW Zone 5 Ont. Can.
17 years ago
Your problem may be caused by foliar nematodes, common on shade-grown plants, cause angular spots on brunnera and heuchera, irregular blotches on anemone and salvia, and wedge-shaped dead patches on hosta. Signs of foliar nematodes may be glimpsed in leaf water droplets with a good hand lens.
Hope this helps.
Ian

Here is a link that might be useful: Foliar Nematodes
jannabeen
Original Author
17 years ago
You're right. It is foliar nematodes. How depressing and it does seem to be spreading.

Thanks for the info. Jannabeen
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