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White Fungus on Shrubs
White Fungus on Shrubs. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that makes shrubs appear as though they have been sprinkled with flour or talcum powder. The damage is easily controlled if you catch the problem early.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that makes shrubs appear as though they have been sprinkled with flour or talcum powder. The damage is easily controlled if you catch the problem early.
Conditions
Powdery mildew thrives in susceptible shrubs planted in shady locations with poor air circulation. When the air is humid but the soil is dry, conditions are right for an outbreak of powdery mildew.
Resistant Varieties
When planting in shady areas where the air doesn't move freely, choose shrubs that are resistant to powdery mildew. Although resistant varieties may get powdery mildew, they get it late in the season and withstand the damage better than non-resistant varieties.
Control
Prune shrubs to thin them out and allow better air circulation though the plant. Also prune larger shrubs and trees in the area to allow more light and air to reach the shrub. Powdery mildew doesn't grow on wet leaves, so when conditions are dry with high humidity, spray the shrub with water or use a horticultural oil to prevent growth of fungus. Use a spray made from a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in a quart of water as soon as powdery mildew develops.
