I have planted quite a collection of different perenials over the past three or four month but some, including lupins, have extensive mildew. I have sprayed them with a product from my local garden shop but it has had no effect. Is there anything else I can do?
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I would cut them back rather than spray.
Sprays may or may not affect the mildew but once discoloured the plants stay discoloured.
In the sticks near Peterborough
Do you water after cutting back too nut? I find that helps a bit although I only tend to get mildew when plants are a bit crowded.
I don't get mildew - the plants do..
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I look the other way usually Fairy
One or two plants I've stopped growing because of the mildew problem, eg the blue polemoniums.
In the sticks near Peterborough
Planting during the dry summer is your main cause of the problem, a perfect example of why autumn is usually recommended for planting. The plants won't have put roots down and are solely relying on you for water
nut
I don't have many plants that are prone to it, but mildew's not a common problem here - we get plenty of rain all year round! The last couple of summers have been an exception though - rare for us to go for a few days without rain let alone weeks.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
The answers sent have been very helpful. Thank you for taking the time.
I was reading yesterday that it's been a particularly bad year for mildew. It also affects some well established plants, not just newly planted ones. They say that well watered plants are better able to resist it, but on the other hand the spores spread best in warm, dry weather. Keeping your plants well watered but dry is a bit of a black art!
GM, you need that moist, well-drained soil so loved by garden writers
In the sticks near Peterborough
2 of my asters have to me very bad mildew. I've sprayed, watered and fed them both.Still looking bad....good flowers though!!
My magnolia soulangeana is really badly affected this year due to lack of rain. The leaves will fall off soon, fresh start next spring.