What Is Wrong With My Leopard's Bane?

Are the leaves covered with white powder?

Are the leaves yellowing, wilting and, dying?

Are the leaves discolored, fine webbing may be present?

Are the leaves curled and distorted?

Do the leaves have small holes?

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

Yellow leaves that wilt and die usually indicate Root rot. Several pathogens can be the cause of root rots. Poorly drained, overly wet soil promotes rot so choose well-drained sites and add organic matter to improve drainage. Remove and destroy infected plants.

Spider mites are known to cause problems for leopard's bane. 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.

Distorted and 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.

Small holes in leopard's bane leaves are caused by sawflies. Sawfly adults are small black and yellow wasplike insects with 4 wings. The larvae are 1/2 inch long, dark olive-green with white spots, and resemble caterpillars. These larvae feed on leaves at night. They chew holes in lower leaves and may defoliate entire plants. Spray the pests with methoxychlor or malathion.

If the leaves are covered in coarse stippling and may appear silvery the culprits are thrips. Thrips are tiny, yellow to black flying insects. Severely infected plant parts should be removed and destroyed. Control thrips by introducing lady beetles or lacewings, their natural predators. Insecticidal soap helps in severe infestations.