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Perennials Hostas

Veronica with Powdery Mildew

sandyslopes z6 n. UT

6 months ago

One month ago I planted pink Veronica ‘First Love’. I saw today that all three have powdery mildew. If they were established plants I would cut them down and trash them. But because they’re newly planted, will I stop any root growth by cutting off the green that’s still taking in sunshine under the powdery mildew? What should I do to give them the best chance of making it through winter so they will come back in the spring?

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Comments (5)

peren.all Zone 5a Ontario Canada
6 months ago
Lisa they need those leaves to enable them to grow so despite the powdery mildew I would not cut them back. I would certainly bag and trash the leaves as they fall. Unusual for Veronica to get pm. I get it on Phlox p. and sometimes Monarda. Your season must be just about over. Some plants still look really good but others not so much here.
sandyslopes z6 n. UT thanked peren.all Zone 5a Ontario Canada
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
6 months ago
cut it down next spring ...

its october..who is surprised there is mildew out there.. show of hands??... anyone???? ....[spider webs with dew also...]

agree.. even damaged leaves process light into energy.. to grow the roots ..... to get the plant established next year ...

ken
sandyslopes z6 n. UT thanked ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
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sandyslopes z6 n. UT
Original Author
6 months ago
I’m glad I asked! I expected to hear it was bad to let anything stick around with PM, but I felt like they need the sunlight that’s still shining on them to give them energy. Thanks for the reassuring advice!
lindalana 5b Chicago
6 months ago
It is immunity issue. Just like for humans. Some get flu and some don't under same circumstances. PM was able to get it because plant was stressed after planting.

If it is single occurrence I would not worry much and let it go and probably boost root system in the spring.

As I moved 2 years ago I know my soil is off in nutrients. I have balance off somehow. All my phlox is patchy. Lawn full of dandelions. It is sign of lack of Calcium availability I believe. Normally I do not care for few dandelions in my lawn but my puppy allergic to it. I am about to send my soil sample to agency because I hate working hard to keep my plants healthy...

AF
sandyslopes z6 n. UT thanked lindalana 5b Chicago
sandyslopes z6 n. UT
Original Author
5 months ago
Hi, lindalana The Veronicas are next to some Asters so I didn’t know if I was risking it spreading, but I usually don’t have a big problem with PM. Sometimes I’ve cut down phlox that have it, and other times I never get to them, and the snow knocks them down. Usually, they come back just fine.

I planted with Biotone, which is about giving the roots nutrients, so hopefully, they come back healthy in spring.

How fun to have a new puppy, but too bad it's allergic to dandelions. I like to let mine flower for any early pollinators that are out and about.

I have soil/water with a high pH so also have a problem with calcium availability. I hope your soil test helps you figure it out for your gardens.

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