Knowledgebase

Distorted flowers #947995

Asked November 01, 2026, 6:31 PM EST

I seem to get a lot of plant diseases and insect damage in my gardens. In this particular chrysanthemum, I’d like to know if the distorted blooms are likely caused by insects or some other disease. I don’t think it’s aster yellows. In one photo, you can see an insect in the flower which to me looks like a brown lacewing eating some nectar? If that’s what it is, would that indicate the presence of mites or similar damaging insects? What is the treatment strategy for it and other types of nearby plants?

Olmsted County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for reaching out.

The insect is a spiny assassin bug.  It is beneficial to plants as it preys on other harmful insect- so that is not the problem.

The leaves show fungal leaf spot, which can affect the flowers causing delayed development of the flowers. I’m not finding any other solution for the flowers.  Fungal leaf spot is caused by the leaves staying wet and not drying off.  If you have mulch around the bottom, be sure to keep it away from the stem. 

My suggestion would be to cut the plant down and dispose of all debris.  A fungus can overwinter in the debris or mulch left on the ground.  See what happens next year. If it is a fungus, it may not come back.

I’m sorry I’m not more help.



Deb Kroon Replied November 01, 2026, 9:57 PM EST

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