For the gardener who wants to plant once and enjoy their flowers for years to come, perennial plants are the way to go. These hearty plants can come back year after year with the proper care. However, even the most resilient perennials {vivaces} are susceptible to pests and diseases. Here are a few tips on how to deal with these common problems.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that congregate on the undersides of leaves and stems. Aphids can cause stunted growth and distortion of new leaves and flowers. They also produce a sticky substance called honeydew which can attract ants and encourage the growth of black sooty mold. To get rid of aphids, you can blast them off with water from a hose or spray them with insecticidal soap. You can also try planting marigolds or nasturtiums, as aphids are attracted to these plants.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on leaves and stem surfaces. It thrives in humid conditions and can cause yellowing or browning of leaves, stunted growth, and eventually death in severe cases. To prevent powdery mildew, water your plants at the base rather than from above to avoid wetting the leaves. You should also plant in areas with good air circulation to promote evaporation. If your plants are already infected, you can remove affected leaves and treat them with a fungicide.
Blackspot
Blackspot is a fungal disease that appears as circular black spots on the tops of leaves. The spots eventually enlarge and form rings which cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off prematurely. Blackspot is particularly prevalent in roses but can infect other perennial plants as well. To treat blackspots, remove affected leaves immediately when you see them and dispose of them in the trash rather than composting them. You should also water at ground level rather than from above to avoid wetting the foliage. Treat infected plants with a fungicide according to label instructions.
Rust
Rust is another fungal disease that appears as orange or brown spots on the tops and undersides of leaves. The spots eventually enlarge and form pustules which can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off prematurely. Rust is most common in damp, humid conditions. To prevent rust, water your plants at ground level rather than from above to avoid wetting the foliage.
Conclusion
Pests and diseases can be problems for even the most resilient perennial plants, but there are ways to fight back! By taking some preventative measures such as planting trap crops or choosing varieties that are less susceptible to pests and diseases, you can reduce your gardening woes considerably.
