Xerochrysum bracteatum - Ask Extension
Hello! I recently purchased several different flowering plants from a local greenhouse about 2 weeks ago. I am having issues with almost all of them i...
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Xerochrysum bracteatum #868785
Asked May 16, 2024, 6:17 PM EDT
Hello! I recently purchased several different flowering plants from a local greenhouse about 2 weeks ago. I am having issues with almost all of them including a mandevilla, dahlias, lantana, and bracteantha. The bracteantha hanging basket are turning yellow from the bottom and dark spots are appearing on the leaves. The affected leaves are beginning to brown on the tips.
Kalamazoo County Michigan
Expert Response
Thank you, Melany, for your question!
From your picture and mention of other infected plants purchased at this greenhouse, I would say the whole greenhouse had some major sanitation issues. Some greenhouses will allow a plant return within a given time frame- it is worth a call to find out their policy.
This article
Xerochrysum bracteatum (Everlasting Daisy, Everlasting Flower, Everlasting Gold, Paper Daisy, Strawflower) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (ncsu.edu)
outlines all the care needed for your strawflower Xerochrysum bracteatum. I cannot positively identify what is going on with your plant however I can offer some suggestions to stimulate a more vigorous plant.
1) Purchase fresh sterile potting soil. Consider one that might contain a fertilizer in it to give your plant a nutrient boost.
2) Remove your plant, placing it onto newspaper or another surface that is clean and dry. Wash the container with a 10% bleach solution, rinse well with water and allow to air dry.
3) Remove all affected leaves and discard them in the trash. Consider pruning out some from the center of the plant to increase air circulation.
4) Place your newly "pruned" plant into the fresh sterile pot containing the fresh sterile soil.
5) Water well and place away from your other plants purchased from this greenhouse until growth appears more normal.
Greenhouse pest and disease gallery | Greenhouse Horticulture (cornell.edu)
Happy Gardening!
From your picture and mention of other infected plants purchased at this greenhouse, I would say the whole greenhouse had some major sanitation issues. Some greenhouses will allow a plant return within a given time frame- it is worth a call to find out their policy.
This article
Xerochrysum bracteatum (Everlasting Daisy, Everlasting Flower, Everlasting Gold, Paper Daisy, Strawflower) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (ncsu.edu)
outlines all the care needed for your strawflower Xerochrysum bracteatum. I cannot positively identify what is going on with your plant however I can offer some suggestions to stimulate a more vigorous plant.
1) Purchase fresh sterile potting soil. Consider one that might contain a fertilizer in it to give your plant a nutrient boost.
2) Remove your plant, placing it onto newspaper or another surface that is clean and dry. Wash the container with a 10% bleach solution, rinse well with water and allow to air dry.
3) Remove all affected leaves and discard them in the trash. Consider pruning out some from the center of the plant to increase air circulation.
4) Place your newly "pruned" plant into the fresh sterile pot containing the fresh sterile soil.
5) Water well and place away from your other plants purchased from this greenhouse until growth appears more normal.
Greenhouse pest and disease gallery | Greenhouse Horticulture (cornell.edu)
Happy Gardening!
