Why Are My Flowers Turning Brown and Dying?

Identfication

• The University of Vermont Extension cites gray mold as the probable most common disease in flowers. Gray mold, also referred to as botrytis blight, is caused by Botrytis cinerea. The disease is favored by cool, rainy, spring and summer weather.

Damage

• The disease affects all plant areas except the roots and is characterized by the appearance of brown spots. Flowers start to become brown and discolored and buds start to rot. Leaves and shoots start to drop from wilt and decay. There is a characteristic growth of brown spore mass on the affected areas. As disease progresses, there is twig dieback.

Control

• Healthy cultural management is among the recommended practices for preventing disease. Avoid growing plants in areas of poor ventilation and high humidity. Prune and remove all affected plant areas. Keep growing areas clear of debris and leaves. Recommended fungicides for control include Bacillus subitlis or chlorothalonil.