Honeysuckle problem - black spot or mildew?

rchmp · August 2020

Hi all. Apologies if this has been asked a few times before - I saw a few different posts offering advice, but my issue is that I'm not entirely sure which advice to follow as I can't tell what problem my honeysuckle has!

For context, this plant is only a few months old, and very recently has started showing black spots on leaves. Based on a friend's advice, I removed some affected stems. But now it's back on even more stems.
Looking today, I can't tell if it looks more black spot-like, or white like the mildew.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Thank you

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6030279/uploads/editor/hb/45kye50vvx3k.jpg

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6030279/uploads/editor/wv/a83qwb19i2st.jpg

Dovefromabove · August 2020

Hello and welcome to the forum @rachmpowell13BM-vrie

Powdery mildew often/usually starts with black blotches on the leaves ... and it usually attacks honeysuckles that are stressed by drought.

I would give your plant two buckets full of water every other day from now until the end of September ... and in mid March start doing the same again. Pour the water on gently so that it soaks into the soil rather than running off the surface.

Feed with some Fish, Blood & Bone slow acting organic fertiliser in March and mulch with garden compost or similar (do this when the soil is really damp after watering) to help keep the soil moist and prevent drying out.

Your honeysuckle will reward you next year for the tlc

rchmp · August 2020

@Dovefromabove Thank you so much, that is such a relief!

I will keep it well watered.

Thanks again

Dovefromabove · August 2020

My pleasure ... just remember that in nature honeysuckles are plants that grow with their roots in damp hedges alongside ditches, and along damp woodland margins ... feet in the damp shade, faces in the sun. Try to replicate that and you won't go far wrong.

Honeysuckle problem - black spot or mildew?

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