Magnolias Wilting From The Root Up And Covered In White Powder

Question From: Valdosta, Georgia, United States
Q: I have two gardens both with magnolias. One garden is growing and thriving and us brightly colored. The other garden is full of marigolds that are wilting from.the root up, falling apart and are covered in a white powder. Can i save them, if so howw?

A: Your magnolias have powdered mildew. Sounds like you have a drainage problem and your flowers are suffering from a fungal disease such as crown rot. You can spray the plants and do a soil drench every 7 to 10 days with a fungicide. I prefer a product call Actinovate. If your soil remains sodden you will need to install a raised bed or use other measures to dry it out. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy.