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Verbena bonariensis & Powdery mildew
Rainbowfish
Posts: 276
Absolutely love my verbena plants but the lower parts are covered in powdery mildew.
Can I avoid this in the future by making sure they get a bit more water than this year? or is it going to be something they always have (weather dependent) like roses and blackspot?
Never seen so many red admirals and painted ladies, plus the cat can't reach them. Even had a hummingbird hawkmost 
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Thanks, thought it was that. They went onto a trough next to a south facing wall becuse they are meant to be drought resistant but I guess resistant is different to loving.
Here in North London I have powdery mildew an almost everything in the garden.
Personally I think if it comes, it comes. For example, I kept my squash plants very well watered and they were totally taken over by it.
It destroyed my perpetual spinach which has never happened before. Then the chard got it. Its even on the ubiquitous bind weed leaves.
In areas like where i live, where there is such dense population and therefore so many gardens around things like that just spread like wildfire. Its a real bugger.
Not something we get here...If it ever stops raining I'll go and look though..
I think growing plants to suit your conditions is very important, but also good husbandry. Some plants will be more susceptible anyway, but good air flow helps.
I think you're right tomatus - re general conditions in your area. Once it gets a hold, it can be difficult to address. Start with good intentions again next year.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...