hardy geranium diseases

The perennial geranium is generally pest free but can suffer from leaf spot, rust and occasionally mosaic virus. The major complaint I hear from gardeners is the foliage looks ratty in summer once the plant is finished blooming.

How do you treat geranium disease?

The removal of infected leaves and an application of fungicide is the best means of treating a sick geranium afflicted with rust. Blackleg: Blackleg is a disease of young plants and cuttings that is pretty much unmistakable.

Why are the leaves on my geranium turning brown?

Brown leaves on a geranium plant is often a sign of fungal problem. Root rot, also known as water mold, is caused by an attack of Pythium fungi at the roots, likely the result of poor soil drainage. This disease also causes roots to turn from white to black or gray.

How do you fix brown leaves on geraniums?

You might try watering with rainwater (not that we have some) or spring fed water. In the meantime, cut off the leaves that are browning, and hope that the few weeks we have left in the summer will mean more healthy leaves.

What is killing my geraniums?

Rust, root rots, stem rot, and leaf spots are other diseases known to infect geraniums. Insects that frequently attack geraniums include aphids, cabbage loopers, and fall cankerworms. The four-lined plant bug, scale, and slugs can also cause damage.

How do you get rid of geranium budworms?

The easiest and most effective way to control these hungry caterpillars is to inspect your geranium plants regularly and pick them off. Dusk is the best time of day to do this, as they are most active at that time. Carry a container of soapy water, and throw them in. Then you can compost the drowned beasts.

How do you get rid of white flies on geraniums?

Greenfly on geraniums

Obtain a 'systemic spray' from the hardware shop (systemic just means the spray gets into the plant system and the fly eat the leaves and get the insecticide into them). Spray the whole plant, particularly under the leaves and the compost too.

How do you revive a dying geranium?

Reviving your geraniums can often be as simple as adding fertilizer to the soil, especially if you haven't done so since the previous growing season. Additionally, geraniums can often be revived through the pruning away of weak or damaged leaves, stems or flowers.

What do Overwatered geraniums look like?

One of the most common causes for yellowing leaves is too much moisture or overwatering. Generally, on over-watered plants, the bottom portions of geraniums have yellow leaves. They may also develop pale-looking water spots. If this is the case, you should immediately stop watering and allow the plants to dry out.

Do geraniums like coffee grounds?

Just save a little of your leftover coffee grounds and sprinkle them onto the soil, then water your plant as normal. ... Geraniums in particular just love coffee, and so do Peace Lily plants!

When should I remove geranium flowers?

Depending on your zone, this might be anywhere from August to late October. Use a pair of reliable shears to trim back perennial geraniums to two or three inches above the soil, cutting at nodes or new growth points when possible. Remove any leaves or additional flowers that remain.

Should I cut off brown leaf tips?

When you see dead leaves, dormant stems, or brown parts of leaves, cut them away. It's fine to pluck dead leaves or stems with your hands when possible, just don't pull too hard or you may damage the healthy part of your plant. For tougher stems or to remove brown leaf tips and edges, use scissors or pruning shears.

How often should I water my geraniums?

How to Water Geraniums. With annual geraniums, check soil weekly, and water when the top inch is dry. Keep newly planted perennial geraniums in consistently moist soil during the first growing season. Once perennial geraniums are established, they can usually survive on rainfall, except during severe drought.

What do you spray geraniums with?

Remove damaged foliage and spray with a Liquid Copper fungicide or Eco-fungicide.

What do geraniums attract?

Geraniums attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Does Sevin kill budworms?

Sevin (carbaryl) is an effective pesticide for use on budworm as well as other chewing insects, but it is toxic to honeybees and must be applied frequently. The safest, most environmentally-friendly remedy is to use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), a biological control that is widely available.

What does a tobacco budworm look like?

How to identify tobacco budworms. The caterpillar has white stripes running lengthwise along the abdomen. ... These caterpillars are commonly brown but can also be red, purple or green depending on what they are eating. It can grow to be as large as 1 3/4 inches in length.

What are the little green worms eating my petunias?

One of the most common pests of petunias is the budworm caterpillar. These small green worms appear in late June and July. ... The worms feed on the flower buds, making small holes in the buds and the leaves. These caterpillars are difficult to control but Bacillus thuringensis (B.T.)

How do you treat white fly?

A homemade mixture from the Old Farmers' Almanac to control and deter whiteflies: In a 32-ounce spray bottle mix 2 parts rubbing alcohol, 5 parts water, and 1 tablespoon liquid soap. Spray the mixture on the foliage of garden plants that are susceptible to these pests.

Will vinegar kill whiteflies?

One effective and all natural way to combat whitefly greenhouse pests is to apply insecticidal soap. ... Try making your own insecticidal soap with a recipe of one gallon water, 2 t baking soda, 2 t dish detergent, and 2 t white vinegar.

What are white flies attracted to?

Whiteflies are highly attracted to yellow objects, a behavior that is exploited in gardens and greenhouses by the use of yellow sticky traps. These sticky cards, stakes or tapes catch only the flying adults and are more appropriately used as a monitoring device.