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Powdery Mildew on Dahlias, hose pipe ban, should i cut them back to ground

Alison600Alison600 Posts: 3
in Problem solving
I am in Kent, hosepipe ban, hardly any rain, and none in sight.  My dahlias are covered with powdery mildew.  Is it too late to do anything, or shall I cut them down to try and save rest of shrubs in the garden.  Im worried it will spread to my hydrangeas and roses.  Thank you

Posts

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Mildew doesn't spread from one plant to another as such.
    Mildew spores are in the air all the time throughout the year.
    When conditions are right then they take hold on a weak plant.
    Fair to say that if there's another weak plant next to your mildewed dahlias it will spread faster, but the other plant would probably get it anyway.
    If the leaves on your dahlias are REALLY bad then you could cut them off, but that may compromise the plant. If it's not too bad leave them - they're still providing energy to the tubers for next year's show.
    The best plan is consistent watering - but it's not an option for you sadly.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • Alison600Alison600 Posts: 3
    Thank you, I thought they spread by contact, so reassured to know if it cut them down wont make any difference.  Im out with my washing up bowl but concentrate on the hydrangeas. Ill just look forward to next year!  wishing my life away!

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Maybe if you double-wash everything you'll have more water to put on your plants :)

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    A hosepipe ban doesn't mean you can't fill a watering can.  It's worth watering your dahlias to help them stay strong and build up their tubers for next year.  Looked after well they carry on flowering till the first frosts and that requires energy.   Healthier leaves will help.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • Alison600Alison600 Posts: 3
    Its very hard, i have given a bit of water in a can, but pictures of our reservoirs are shown on local news sites and I dont want to end up collecting water from a standpipe.  Very frustrating the amount of water lost to leaky pipes but I am trying to be responsible.  Hard to watch my garden die around me.  I dont have a massive garden but to water vegetables, shrubs, plants etc is too much. Still very hot here. Ive given up on my runner beans and courgettes, trying to save plants that will survive to next year. and my greenhouse tomatoes and cucumbers.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Better to give your favourites a deep drink once a week than a dribble here and there. 

    It's been even hotter here than in the UK and for longer.  Reservoirs are also low but the French authorities are pragmatic about people with a veg plot and we're allowed to water fruits and veggies between 8pm and 8am.

    I've lost some shrubs and some of the perennials have suffered so we'll be increasing mulching levels this autumn, if/when we've had some serious rain.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
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