Solving Beebalm Problems
See details below this chart.
| Solving Beebalm Problems | |
|---|---|
| Symptoms | Probable Cause |
| Leaves Covered With White Powder | Powdery Mildew |
| No Bloom; Woody Growth In Clump Centers | Overcrowded or Too Dry |
| Leaves Curled and Distorted | Aphids |
| Ragged Holes in Leaves | Slugs and Snails |
| Leaves Spotted or Blotched | Fungal Leaf Spot |
| Powdery Spots on Leaves; Yellowing | Rust |
No Bloom; Woody Growth In Clump Centers Signals Overcrowding or Too Dry
Older beebalm plants will eventually develop large clumps of roots. They will begin to flower poorly, grow irregularly and develop a woodiness in their centers. To restore vigor to the plants, divide them every 2 or 3 years in the spring. Cut away and discard older roots. Replant newer ones. Another possibility is that the plants suffered dry soil for too long which sometimes inhibits the formation of flower buds.
Powdery Spots On Leaves; Yellowing Due To Rust
Rust diseases caused by various fungi produce pale yellow areas on upper leaf surfaces and powdery spots of fruiting bodies on undersides directly beneath. Infected stems and flowers may be seriously deformed. Remove any infected leaves from beebalm plants as soon as possible. Control weeds in and around the garden. Spray pest insects such as aphids and whiteflies with neem oil soap to prevent their carrying the disease. Rust can be prevented by periodic sprays of neem oil on healthy foliage of vulnerable plants, starting several weeks before the disease normally appears. Follow product label instructions. Space plants widely apart for good ventilation, and avoid wetting the foliage when watering. For more information see the file on Controlling Fungal Disease