For anyone who has ever grown impatiens, you might be aware of a devastating plant disease called Downy Mildew. Downy Mildew is spread by water and wind, and won’t go away unless treated.
New Guinea Impatiens
To help stop Downy Mildew and other plant diseases that are harmful to your garden, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) allocated nearly $58 million to the Plant Pest and Disease Management and Disaster Prevention Program. The program will support mitigation efforts for specialty crops, including providing research and other funding to address plant pest and disease priorities for the specialty crop industry, including floriculture and nursery crops. Horticulture priorities to be funded include research on significant pathogens, pollinator health and continued support for the National Clean Plant Network.
At Bengert Greenhouses, we provide a wide variety of spring flowers from impatiens to canna lilies, hydrangeas, begonias, and more! Bring your garden to life and visit our greenhouse to learn more about caring for your flowers!
Nonstop Tuberous Begonia
Begonia’s Dragon Wing
Symptoms of Downy Mildew
Early Symptoms:
Light-green yellowing or stippling of leaves
Subtle gray markings on upper leave surface
Downward curling of infected leaves
White downy-like fungal growth on underside of leaves.
Advanced Symptoms:
Leaf and flower drop resulting in bare, leafless stems
Infected stems become soft and plant collapse under cool, wet conditions.
Once a plant is infected it can not be saved. Remove any infected plants and discard to help prevent spreading.
Recommended alternatives that love the shade:
New Guinea Impatiens
Divine New Guinea Impatiens
Begonias
Torenia
Coleus
These plants can be safely planted in a flowerbed that has shown evidence of the disease. All of which are in stock and ready for you at Bengert Greenhouse.