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Need advice on how to save these plants #868204

Asked May 13, 2024, 1:26 PM EDT

These plants had a beautiful early spring and are now nearly dead. A landscaper planted them a year ago and I don't know what they are called. I'm hoping you have recommendations on how to save them.

Howard County Maryland

Expert Response

The plants look like Lungwort (botanical name Pulmonaria), a perennial grown in semi-shaded or shaded gardens for their early blooms, silver-marked leaves, and being unappealing to deer. It's not uncommon for Lungwort (or for a variety of other plants, for that matter) to contract a powdery mildew infection, which appears to be the case here.

Periods of time with humid or damp conditions and warm days (with cool nights) are prime for the development of this very common disease. While plants don't always need treatment, sometimes success in stalling the infection can be had by using a fungicide labeled for use on perennials with powdery mildew. (Fungicides can't cure existing infection; they only prevent new infections, though sometimes powdery mildew growth, being largely on the leaf surface, might subside a bit after treatment.) If you try a fungicide, follow all product label directions and be aware that more than one application may be needed to provide a longer window of control.

There are multiple cultivars of Lungwort, and some have better inherent powdery mildew resistance than others. The leaf curling might be due to the mildew or could also be due to soil moisture stress (likely under-watering). If recent rains have been insufficient, feel the soil about four or five inches deep next to the Lungworts and water them well if it's become somewhat dry to the touch at that depth. (If damp at that depth, watering is probably not needed.) Lungwort is sensitive to staying too wet, but they also don't fare well if they get too dry. Since they were only planted about a year ago, they are still establishing, and should have a bit better tolerance for irregular soil moisture levels as they mature more.

To improve their appearance, you can trim off the spent flower stalks if you prefer.

Miri
Thanks so much. I don't think they are dry - with all this rain I was afraid they were too wet. Will apply a fungicide.

Sarah

On Monday, May 13, 2024 at 04:45:58 PM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied May 13, 2024, 6:00 PM EDT

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