I Have Spots on My Perennial Flowers

Identification

• Perennials are susceptible to powdery mildew caused by a number of fungi and botrytis blight caused by Botrytis cinerea. Botrytis blight is also commonly referred to as gray mold.

Symptoms

• Powdery mildew leads to the appearance of white to gray powdery spots on all plant areas including the flowers. The spots gradually grow in size into large patches. Perennials affected with botrytis display brown spots on petals and buds. Affected areas grow large and start to rot and decay.

Management

• Use resistant varieties for reducing chances of powdery mildew and apply organic fungicide to affected plants. Applications of biofungicides are effective for controlling botrytis on the first sign of disease. Prune and remove all affected areas.