Honeysuckle Fungus

Healthy honeysuckle vine.

Honeysuckle vines can contract two common diseases, powdery mildew and leaf blight, from fungus. Both fungal diseases can spread if not treated. The symptoms of these diseases are easy to recognize.

Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew looks like a white or gray dusting on the leaves of honeysuckle vines. Leaves discolor and fall off.

Leaf Blight

If young leaves turn brown or black and shrivel, your honeysuckle has leaf blight. Affected leaves crinkle and curl up and change color, then fall off.

Treatment

Prune away any vines affected by a fungal disease and remove fallen leaves or vines from the soil. Treat the fungus naturally with neem oil, horticultural oil or other low-impact sprays.

Chemical Treatment

Powdery mildew responds to sulfur-based fungicides sprayed every 7 days. Leaf blight responds to copper-based fungicides sprayed every 7 to 10 days.

Tip

Air circulation provides natural control against fungal diseases. Prune honeysuckle regularly to prevent it from getting matted or tangled and to promote greater air circulation.

Causes

Wet, humid weather or wet, chilly weather can promote fungal diseases.

References

• Yardener: Problems of Honeysuckle
• University of Minnesota Extension: Honeysuckle Leaf Blight
• University of Wisconsin-Madison: Powdery Mildew