Help! Is this black spot?

chloesmith61

Hi, 

I am new to gardening and wondering if this is black spot (the fungal infection)? 

If so, how do I get rid of it? How do I prevent it from returning? 😭

Thanks! 

amancalledgeorge

I'd worry more about the growing conditions, this looks like a very tight planting space. Can we have a longer view of the whole plant and how it's planted? 

chloesmith61

Hi, not an amazing photo but both plants which I think are jasmines are on the back fence. There's not loads of room between the fence and patio. 

Borderline

In terms of avoiding fungal infections it's always best to grow with more air flow and limit tight warm humid corners. Having said that, it may just be some blemishes, so hard to say unless there is more of that elsewhere.

Plant health is more about improving the growing conditions for the plants. No sprays work long-term.

Unless I am wrong, you have a Honeysuckle growing next to a jasmine. Both require quite different growing conditions. Honeysuckles need cool semi shade especially near the root area. Jasmines are plants that prefer warm sunny spots. Your honeysuckle may need more cooler and moisture retentive soil to be happy and thrive.

chloesmith61

Thanks Borderline! Ooh interesting - it does look like a honeysuckle. I had thought it was Jasminum officinale 'Sunbeam'. They all look like lots of things so I'm finding it hard to work out what everything is. 

I have recently moved in and trying to ensure nothing in the garden dies 🙏

Borderline

Yes, you did photograph Jasminum Officinale 'Sunbeam' too, but I did not notice anything on the leaves. The blemishes were on the Honeysuckle plant. If the Honeysuckle struggles through the year, you will need to decide whether to remove it and plant something else there. The base will be warm due to the paving slabs and the area looks quite restricted for many shrubs to grow.

Find the time to study the way the sun moves around your space. Areas where you see more sun throughout the day will suit plants like Jasmine, and areas with more shade will suit Honeysuckles.

chloesmith61

Ah sorry I see what you mean! Thanks so much - really helpful. That area is mostly shaded so I will keep an eye on Jasmine to see how it does. Also the honeysuckle for the issue - it could be due to the restricted space as you say! Seems so strange as everything was thriving a week ago 😢 Seems like the more I attend to it the more problems it gets 🤣😭🤭 

I will keep you updated 😊

Thanks again