Powdery Mildew on Bee Balm - Ask Extension
Hello,
After beautiful blooms my bee balm began to look sad. It now has powdery Mildew on its leaves. Can it be saved or should it be removed from th...
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Powdery Mildew on Bee Balm #875401
Asked June 30, 2024, 7:48 PM EDT
Hello,
After beautiful blooms my bee balm began to look sad. It now has powdery Mildew on its leaves. Can it be saved or should it be removed from the garden?
Harford County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi Lisa,
This plant is pretty infected at this point. I would remove it so it doesn't infect others.
Monarda (Bee balm) is particularly susceptible to mildew. It should be planted 2-2.5 feet apart, in full sun. Fungicides are only effective early in the spring before the plants become infected.
If you decide to leave the plant in place and see what happens next year, remove all of the infected leaves and stems from the ground. The fungi spores will not die in the winter and will reinfect the new growth.
Thanks for contacting us,
Judy
This plant is pretty infected at this point. I would remove it so it doesn't infect others.
Monarda (Bee balm) is particularly susceptible to mildew. It should be planted 2-2.5 feet apart, in full sun. Fungicides are only effective early in the spring before the plants become infected.
If you decide to leave the plant in place and see what happens next year, remove all of the infected leaves and stems from the ground. The fungi spores will not die in the winter and will reinfect the new growth.
Thanks for contacting us,
Judy
