Why Do My Bells Of Ireland Look Sickly?

Are there any small, necrotic flecks on leaves that develop a chlorotic halo and expand into tan brown necrotic spots?

Do the stems rot at the soil line?

Are the leaves curled and yellow?

Do the leaves have large, ragged holes in them?

Are the leaves stippled with yellow and the foliage is webbed?

Cercospora leaf blight is caused by a fungus that can be introduced through infected seed and spread by wind or water splash. Plant only pathogen-free seed from a reputable nursery. Apply copper-based foliar fungicide if the disease emerges. Keep the area clean and be sure to dispose of plant debris.

If the stems of your plant rot at the base, most likely cause is a fungal disease - Crown rot. Leaves and stems turn brown at the base, the foliage turns yellow and black spores may appear on the stems. Remove and discard any infected plants and their surrounding soil in the trash to limit the spread of the disease. Keep winter mulch away from the crowns to reduce problems.

Distorted, curled leaves are caused by aphids. These tiny insects 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.

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.

Leaves stippled with yellow and webbed foliage is caused by spider mites. These tiny, spider-like pests feed by sucking sap from the underside of the plants leaves causing yellow flecking on the upper leaf surfaces. You can control spider mites by spraying plants thoroughly with water 2-3 times a day for several days. For severe infestations, spray plants with insecticidal soap, or pyrethrin as a last resort.

Some environmental issues may have caused the sickly look of your plants. Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Average garden soil is best, but avoid waterlogged areas or those that are excessively dry. Bells of Ireland are self-sowing so as long as you let them drop seed, they’ll return to your garden every year.