Why Does My Beebalm Look Sickly?

Are the leaves curled and distorted?

Are the leaves and petals pale, silvery?

Do the leaves have large, ragged holes in them?

Are the leaves yellow and deformed, the plant looks stunted, fine webbing may be present?

Do the stems break off easily?

Are the leaves covered with white powdery patches?

Are the leaves spotted or blotched?

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

Distorted leaves 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.

Pale, silvery leaves, and petals are caused by thrips. Thrips are tiny, yellow to black flying insects. They hide under leaves and inside flowers. Severely infested plant parts should be pruned off and destroyed. Control thrips by introducing lady beetles or lacewings. Insecticidal soap helps in severe infestations.

Large, ragged holes in the leaves are caused by slugs and snails. 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.

Twospotted spider mites are known to cause problems for beebalms. Hose off plants when symptoms first appear. A strong stream knocks mites off plants and may give control. Introduce predatory mites. For severe infestations, spray plants with insecticidal soap or pyrethrin.

Stalk borers are long, thin, striped caterpillars that eat their way through stalk centers. Small, round stem holes may betray their presence. Control stalk borers by slitting each affected stem lengthwise, removing the borers, and binding the stems together. Practice clean cultivation and burn all weeds, stems, and plant remains likely to harbor over-wintering eggs.

White, powdery coating on the leaves is caused by a fungal disease 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.

Your plants might be suffering from fungal leaf spots. Spots may enlarge rapidly, especially in wet weather. Destroy infected leaves or plants. Spray plants with sulfur to prevent the disease from spreading, especially if the weather is wet. Prevent problems by thinning plants to provide good air circulation.

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.

Older beebalm plants will eventually develop large clumps of roots. They will begin to flower poorly, grow irregularly, and develop a woodiness in their centers. To restore vigor to the plants, divide them every 2 or 3 years in the spring. Cut off and discard older roots. Replant newer ones.