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Bear’s breeches (Acanthus mollis) - diseased - HELP!

jennifer.h.greenwoodjennifer.h.greenwood Posts: 3
in Plants
Hi there, 

I am looking for some advice for my Bear's breeches/Acanthus mollis. They seem to be getting a white dusty film on their leaves. Please see picture attached. 

Can anyone recommend anything to save them?

Many thanks!


 

Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 28,808
    May be the start of powdery mildew which often appears in spring and is often encouraged by poor air circulation.  Remove and destroy the affected leaves - not in the compost heap.

    more info here - https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=253 
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 9,967
    I had several large acanthus but the endless problems with mildew drove me to get rid of them. I dug them up 3-4 years ago but they still send shoots up from the depths.
    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 28,808
    I dug all mine up too but because the soil was too rich and all they did was grow leaves and no flowers.   Like yours, they carried on sending up shoots from bits of root I missed.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • jennifer.h.greenwoodjennifer.h.greenwood Posts: 3
    Thanks all. They are very big established plants that were in the garden before I moved in 2.5 years ago. 

    Last year I thought the white film had completely demolished them but they came back fighting this year. 

    I followed the RHS advice and have taken away all the affected leaves/shoots and will get a good spray to keep it at bay. 

    Thanks for all your help. 
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