what causes powdery mildew and how do I get rid of it? It is on the Bee Balm. |
Beebalm is highly susceptible to mildew. The mildew appears depending on the weather each year, some years are worse than others. The best defenses are to plant the beebalm in sunny spot with good air circulation, thin the plant in the spring so it does not grow quite so dense, and select a variety with noted resistance to fungal diseases. In the early stages you may be able to rinse it off the plant with water from the garden hose and clip off affected leaves. Treatments really need to be done prior to it appearing in order to be effective, but there are some garden fungicides that can stop the progress of the disease. Be sure to read and follow label directions. Best wishes with your bee balm. |