How to Treat Rust on Asclepias tuberosa
Rust is a common fungal disease that affects many plant species. Rust on Asclepias tuberosa appears as small, rust-colored spots on the leaves of the shrub. Rust is not a deadly disease, but it is unsightly, and if allowed to grow unchecked, it can stunt the growth of the shrub and limit its flower production. Often, aggressive pruning is enough to keep the disease in check. If rust persists, however, a preventative fungicide may be in order. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Prune any infected leaves from the plant. Revisit the plant daily, and promptly prune any leaves that show signs of rust development.
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Clean any plant litter and mulch from the Asclepias tuberosa bed. The fungus responsible for rust often multiplies and overwinters in plant litter on the ground. Monitor the bed throughout the season, and clean up any plant litter you find.
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Water the Asclepias tuberosa at its base, not overhead. If you have a sprinkler system or must water overhead, water early in the morning, so the afternoon sun will dry any moisture on the foliage.
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Spray the Asclepias tuberosa with a plant fungicide approved for use on rust. Fungicide spray is effective only as a preventative measure. Apply it in early spring as soon as the Asclepias tuberosa produces its first flush of growth. Follow the manufacturer instructions for application methods and amounts.
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Tips & Warnings
Burn or throw away infected plant litter. Do not compost it. The fungus will multiply in the compost pile.
Rust often breeds and spreads in dense weed stands. Clear any undesirable stands near your Asclepias tuberosa to prevent the spread of rust.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images
