White soil fungus killing plants
jillclethero
Posts: 2
Can any one help please? I have a flower bed in semi shade, where a holly tree used to be , it shedded leaves for many years,and in the end became so thin we cut it down, dug in lots of home produced compost, and planted various plants. many including hydrangeas, lavender, and many perennials and bulbs, all of which died, developing this type of fine white thread fungi around their rootball.
I have resorted to growing plants in pots in that area, but it’s now appeared further up the bed, killing hebes and hardy geraniums and another hydrangea. Arum lilies seem unaffected. It’s been a wet summer here in West Wales, but I have been careful not to spread whatever this is, it’s now spread under the fence to my neighbours garden killing a bay. Can anyone help please? Is it phytophera? Can I do anything to eradicate it
Grateful for any suggestions! thanks
Posts
Hello jillclethero
No , I don't think it's the dreaded Honey-Fungus ; some of the clues here are in your thread ; I may be wrong but is it possible that the ground is waterlogged underneath ?
You mention a Bay tree dying , also Hebes , hardy Geraniums , Lavender and many bulbs ; most of which enjoy a free-draining soil . (Another clue when you say you've had a wet summer) . Even Hydrangeas , which relish moisture can be susceptible to excessive damp . The only organism which would absolutely thrive in such conditions would be the white fungus .
I'm probably totally 'off the mark' here , but maybe worth an investigation . It must be infuriating to lose so many plants in this way .
Hopefully given some 'food for thought'
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Thanks for that Paul, it had crossed my mind, but this has got worse for several years - and at times the soil seems very dry, unless something is going on deeper down? Next doors plants are in full sun? it’s certainly worth bearing in mind though thanks . I’m wondering how I could deal with it-digging in something to help it drain?
My apologies for not being much help ; just an idea to ponder .
Maybe someone else on the forum will have more knowledge on fungal infections ; you could try posting a new thread ,
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just wondering how this worked out as I think we have a similar/same problem now...
https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/1034063/white-smelly-fungus-killing-perennials