Knowledgebase

Problem with Baptisia #879586

Asked July 31, 2024, 12:57 PM EDT

Hi Extension, I planted this blue false indigo about six years ago. It has grown into a beautiful plant, flowering every year and staying green until fall. However, I just noticed that it looks terrible and I wonder if it has a disease or if the extreme heat is causing it to die back two months early? I've taken some photos that I hope will help you figure this out. This plant was all green (except for the seed pods) until a couple of days ago--this black, shriveled look has come on very quickly.

Somerset County Maryland

Expert Response

The extreme heat and drought conditions are challenging most of our landscape plants, but an established Baptisia should be able to take it.
We wonder if this is not a disease called Southern blight which is cropping up now. Here is our page on it where you can learn what to look for: 
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/southern-blight-disease-flowers/
 They get fungal stem rots, too but those can't be detected without lab testing.


Christine


Answered by theHome 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 August 02, 2024, 1:04 PM EDT

Hi Christine,

 


I looked at the plant and see white mycelium at the base of the stems, which are starting to lift off, but I don’t see any of the spores. Maybe it hasn’t reached that stage?

 


I can see a green shoot coming up among the dead branches, so I’m hoping the roots are okay. I’m going to cut the plant down completely at the soil level, even the stems that still look healthy, but Baptisia has a deep taproot, so I don’t think I can dig it out or remove all the soil. Would solarizing the patch of diseased soil work to sterilize it? Would that hurt the taproot?

 


Pat

 



 


The Question Asker Replied August 03, 2024, 11:37 AM EDT
We consulted with our plant pathologist who said you don't have to worry about digging out the taproot. It is o.k to leave it because the infection attacks stems and does not go beneath of the crown of the plant.

Solarizing isn't going to help. 


Christine
Answered by theHome 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 August 05, 2024, 3:36 PM EDT

Hi Christine,

 


Thank you! I’m very glad I don’t have to tackle that taproot. I hope the fungus can die out this winter and that the plant can come back ok.

 

Regards,

Pat

The Question Asker Replied August 05, 2024, 6:31 PM EDT
You're welcome.
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 August 06, 2024, 9:22 AM EDT

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