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Dusty white deposit on penstemon flowers

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  • Victoria SpongeVictoria Sponge Posts: 3,485

    Indeed! Because mine weren't watered for several weeks until it rained two nights ago image

    That sounds nice blackberry and cream...image

    Wearside, England.
  • AlieshAliesh Posts: 179

    Just looked at my penstemons a blue and a dark one they also have a little of 

    this mystery white substance on them.  could it possibly be fairy dust ? image

    I also have a new one called Amelia Jane in my back garden but it's not in flower yet 

    and no sign of any white stuff.

  • pootlerpootler Posts: 95

    Right then, I think plan B is to take up Dove's suggestion of contacting the RHS.  I notice that at Hampton Court next week there will be an RHS stand with gardening advice for their members from the science team.  

    Do we know anyone that will be attending, that is a member, that could take up our cause?!

    http://www.rhs.org.uk/science/meet-the-team

     

  • Brilliant idea pootler!  I would love to go but have a poorly leg at the moment.image

  • Victoria SpongeVictoria Sponge Posts: 3,485

    I'm not a member or attending...politely bumping though!

    Wearside, England.
  • gardeningfanticgardeningfantic Posts: 1,019

    my penstemons have them also my blackbird ones. bu they had it last year and its seem to be only dark ones.. so unsure why but it doesnt seem to effect the flower or anything.. just looks unsightly. it reminds me of garden centres when they water with tap water and its a residue left by limescale and that. but  not sure..image

  • No gf, this isn't limescale residue from GC watering. My plants were bought last year and the first crop of flowers did have this white dust, but I don't think the second one did.  In Spring I cut them right down and transplanted them to a new spot in the garden, where they are doing exceptionally well.  So all the current flowers have never seen a nursery and have only been watered with rainwater.

  • GUESS WHAT! I was so preoccupied with the Tour de France up here in Yorkshire over the weekend that I didn't do anything in the garden - didn't even go for a walk round it.  But this morning I was out there, and lo and behold, the dust had vanished from the penstemons!!  image  Was it the heavy rainfall on Friday night that cleared it away?  Am wondering if those of you who had the white dust problem still have it?

  • Victoria SpongeVictoria Sponge Posts: 3,485

    Hi HCT, ( if I can call you that?)

    Mine seemed to be at its worst before this thread started and was already easing. There is still residue around the buds and unopened flowers, but just tiny amounts.

    Ive got some very young/small penstemons that probably won't flower 'til later in the year so I'll keep an eye on them too...

    Wearside, England.
  • gardeningfanticgardeningfantic Posts: 1,019

    happycottontail. mine are looking much better after the rain.. it is still a mystery as to what it is.. but it doesnt seem to effect the plants at all in my garden.. is just a bit un sightly.image

     

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