Why Does My Windflower Looks Unhealthy?

Is the plant stunted, leaves yellowed and the roots have lesions on them?

Are the leaves, buds and stems distorted and sticky with clusters of small insects?

Do the leaves have yellow-brown spots or blotches on them and do some leaves die and turn brittle?

Are the leaves of your windflower covered with white powder?

Did the foliage disappeared?

Are there any slimy trails nearby?

Are the flowers of your windflower covered with gray mold?

Are the leaves pale on their upper side and are there any dusty blisters on the undersides?

Do your windflowers have mottled or streaked leaves?

These symptoms are caused by root-knot nematodes. Prevent root-knot nematodes by applying chitin or introducing parasitic nematodes to the soil before planting. Another preventative method is fertilizing windflowers with fish emulsion diluted in water which is then poured on the soil as a drench. It repels nematodes.

Distorted leaves, stems and buds are caused by aphids. These tiny insects can vary in color, green, pink, black, gray to completely white. They cluster under leaves and on growing tips where they feed on plant sap. Leaves, stems, and buds get distorted and later leaves and flowers drop from the plant. You can control them by washing them off the plant with water spray. Insecticidal soap should be used with severe infestations.

These symptoms usually indicate on Foliar nematodes. These microscopic roundworms overwinter in soil or plant debris, then travel up a plant's stem in the film of water created by spring rains. Symptoms move up the plant with nematodes. Remove and destroy infested plants and the surrounding soil and do not compost the debris. Rotate plantings and mulch in spring to keep nematodes from climbing up plants. Avoid wetting leaves when watering.

White, powdery patches on the leaves are caused by a fungus Powdery mildew. Powdery mildew usually appears in damp places. Encourage good air circulation around the affected plants by thining any surrounding plants. Water plants from bellow to keep foliage dry. Any affected leaves should be cut off and removed. Any commercial fungicidal spray will protect your plant from further infections.

Slugs and snails feed on the plant leaves usually at night. To control slugs and snails use diatomaceous earth around your plants. You can also handpick them during the night or use shallow dishes filled with beer as a trap.

Birds and rabbits are quite fond of early anemone leaves. Cover young plants with netting if the problem is severe enough to warrant control.

Likely cause for these symptoms is a fungal disease - Botrytis blight. Other symptoms include brown spots that may appear on leaves and petals that may turn black. You can only prevent Botrytis blight disease by planting in areas with good air circulation. Water plants so leaves can dry up before sunset. Infected plants should be removed. Spray weekly with a copper fungicide until the disease is under control.

Likely cause for these symptoms is a fungal disease - Rust. Provide good air circulation around plants by thining them. Avoid making leaves wet when watering. All infected leaves should be removed. Spray leaves with sulfur early in the season to prevent rust or to treat mild infections.

Mottled or streaked leaves are caused by Anemone mosaic virus. There is no cure for infected plants. Remove and destroy all irises that have the symptoms of mosaic virus. Mosaic virus is spread by aphids so the best way of preventing the disease is to control these insects.

If your windflower leaves have spots on them they are most likely fungal leaf spots. Fungal leaf spots may be brown, black or transparent. Remove and destroy all infected leaves. Thin plants and avoid crowding future plantings. Water windflowers from below. Clean up all plant debris around your flowers to remove overwintering sites.