Q.My yellow Brugmansia has a problem and I’m afraid I’m going to lose it. It looks like the tips have been eaten and are sprouti
ng from lower down but they are not growing. I have sprayed 3 times with a broad spectrum insecticide but it doesn’t seem to be helping so, I have cut it down and hoping it will grow back. Do you have any idea what the problem is? I have used slug pellets in spring so I know it’s not slugs. I know they love my trumpet they will have to go elsewhere to eat?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Definitely not insect damage! Unfortunately, that looks like fungal damage. Has it been wet in your area for long periods of time? This is the most common cause. Use a couple of handfuls of DOLOMITIC LIME and a tablespoon or so of WETTABLE SULFUR. This will be helpful to have around and use once or twice per year in the soil. This will keep the soil conditioned, as well as keep any infections at bay.
Other things to do will be to spray all infected growth with a fungicide spray.
These articles will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/brugmansia/brugmansia-problems.htm
