What's your question? Ask

Honeysuckle Plants

Q.Powdery mildew on honeysuckle

Zone Zone 3, Alberta, Canada | alyseymour added on January 30, 2018 | Answered

Hi. My honeysuckle has been very happy on the south side of my garage until last fall. I noticed what looks like powdery mildew that quickly spread through the whole plant, even on the stems.
Should I prune it right back to ground level this spring? Or leave it and see how the new growth reacts? I live in central Alberta.
Cheers.

A.Answers to this queston: Add Answer
MichiganDot
Answered on January 31, 2018

Powdery mildew is a common problem in honeysuckles. It doesn't over-winter in the plant so there is no need to cut it down. However, all those leaves must be removed as they will re-infect this year's leaves if allowed to linger. PM infection is most common during hot, dry spells - just the opposite of what most people think when they hear mildew. Keys to prevention are regular watering at soil level, not on the leaves, selective pruning to allow better air circulation, and consideration of a preventive such as neem oil during the heat of summer. Powdery mildew does not harm the plant; it is a cosmetic problem.

Was this answer useful?
00

Log in or sign up to help answer this question.

Did you find this helpful? Share it with your friends!

You must be logged into your account to answer a question.

If you don't have an account sign up for an account now.

Looking for more?
here are more questions about...
Honeysuckle Plants
Join Us - Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips!

Do you know a lot about gardening?
Become a GKH Gardening Expert

OK