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Penstemon

Patsy FPatsy F Posts: 53
in Problem solving
My Penstemon ‘Rich Ruby’, planted in a border, has a sticky, white substance on the flowers.  Neither the flowers or foliage are distorted.  I’ve given it a good watering with added liquid seaweed.  Any suggestions as to what’s causing it would be most appreciated.  Thank you.
(I will endeavour to attach a photo, once the technology complies. 🙄)

Posts

  • Patsy FPatsy F Posts: 53

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    I wonder if it's a type of powdery mildew ?
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    My dark penstemons (raven) are always a bit like that. I think it's normal. You can see it on the picture here https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/penstemon-raven/
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • Patsy FPatsy F Posts: 53
    Yes, Jenny, from what I’ve read, it only affects the darker varieties.  The plant is quite healthy otherwise. 
  • Patsy FPatsy F Posts: 53
    That’s a beauty, Jenny.  I also have Pensham ‘Czar’, which is lighter and not affected.  
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    My Raven have it too and do every year.
    It does seem to disappear after a while

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • Slow-wormSlow-worm Posts: 1,630
    Mine get it too but it doesn'tbother them. I've had mildew on pretty much everything for about 2 years, no idea why, so I just assumed it was that.
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