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Lemon balm disease
Apple82
Posts: 2
Hi, My lemon balm plant is not looking too good - it appears to have got a grey covering all over it. I'm assuming this is a disease - anyone know what it is or how to treat it?
Many thanks
0
Posts
It's a powdery mildew - they often get it at the end of the summer/autumn - it doesn't really do any harm as it'll be dying back soon. I find it best to cut lemon balm hard back before now each year - usually as soon as it's flowered, then it'll re-sprout lots of fresh growth and look much healthier.
I'd cut it hard back now and leave it - it'll grow afresh in the spring.
Nothing to worry about
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Thank you Dovefromabove, that's really helpful. It's not flowered as yet. Should I wait for it to do that before cutting it back? When you say cut it back, do you really cut it completely back?
Thanks for your advice. It's much appreciated
No, don't wait , just shear it back - just leave 3 or 4 inches of stem - it'll be fine - it's tough as old boots.
My Ma tried for years to get rid of it as it spread through her rose garden
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I agree, in theory cut it back before flowering - but the bees love the flowers so I wait until they've finished with it.
A handful of leaves in a mug of boiling water, steeped then strained and with a teaspoon of honey makes a lovely soothing bedtime drink
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.