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Top Questions About Coneflower Plants

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Questions About Coneflower Plants

  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    May 29, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Coneflowers are subject to many insect pests. Among the most damaging are aphids and leafhoppers. Aphids damage plants by causing stem dieback, wilting, and foliage discoloration. Leafhoppers leave spots on the foliage, cause leaf distortion and flower drop. Both types of insects can quickly suck the sap/juices from plants and leave them susceptible to disease. Treating the plants with neem oil can help. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    July 2, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/coneflower/coneflower-problems.htm

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  • Answered by
    Susan75023 on
    July 25, 2011
    A.

    I think what you are seeing are spent (completed) flowers. Cut the seedheads (what you refer to as balls) off to extend the season of your coneflowers.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    August 7, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    You may need to add more phosphorus to the soil. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/phosphorus-plant-growth.htm

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    August 8, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    They may be suffering from an infestation of Eriophyid mites, which live and feed on the insides of flower buds. Damage can be recognized by stunted growth and distorted flowers. Simply remove affected plants and hopefully, this will take care of the issue.

    Another possibility is aster yellows disease. On coneflowers, the most typical symptom is replacement of flowers by tufts of small, green, deformed leaves. No treatment is available to save a plant infected with aster yellows. Aster yellows is best managed by removing infected plants from the garden to minimize spread.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    July 31, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    It is possible that the coneflowers are being affected by Eriophyid mites, which live and feed on the insides of flower buds. Damage can be recognized by stunted growth and distorted flowers. Treatment of these insect pests can usually be achieved with insecticidal soap sprays or neem oil. I actually like the latter, as it is also an effective fungicide should any other issues pop up as a result of the insects. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm

    Another possibility for the distorted flowers in a disease called Aster yellows, which can actually be transmitted through insects. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/aster-yellows-disease.htm

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    August 20, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Treat the plant with neem oil. It will take care of most insect pest issues and is an effective fungicide as well. Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/coneflower/coneflower-problems.htm

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