Knowledgebase

Cone flower question #877379

Asked July 15, 2024, 6:45 PM EDT

Hello, Is the green growth in the center of my cone flower abnormal. Could it be aster yellows?

Anne Arundel County Maryland

Expert Response

We can't rule Aster Yellows out, but the symptoms more closely resemble Coneflower Rosette Mite damage at this point, which is commonly misdiagnosed as Aster Yellows. You can use the information and images on the linked page to make comparisons and monitor the plants for future symptom development.

Miri
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 16, 2024, 10:52 AM EDT
Thank you! Should I do anything about the mites or just continue to monitor the plant?

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 16, 2024, at 10:52 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied July 16, 2024, 12:43 PM EDT
The mites might be able to be reduced in number temporarily by blasting the cone with a strong spray of plain water from a garden hose (of course, make sure the hot water is run out of it first). Or, as the article mentioned, just carefully cut off the affected flower stalks (to avoid sprinkling mites over more of the plant) and compost them.

Miri
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 16, 2024, 12:50 PM EDT

Loading ...