Plant guide:ð Lavender
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Fungal
Powdery Mildew on Lavender
Commonly affects: Lavandula angustifolia / L. x intermedia (Lavender)
A white, powdery coating develops on leaves and stems, particularly in humid conditions with poor airflow.
Potential Causes
- 1Fungal spores favoured by humidity combined with still, poorly-ventilated conditions
- 2Overcrowded plantings restricting airflow
- 3Overhead watering keeping foliage damp
Solution Steps
- 1Remove heavily affected growth
- 2Improve air circulation by spacing plants adequately and pruning to open the plant's centre
- 3Water at the base rather than overhead
- 4Apply a sulphur-based fungicide if the problem persists
Prevention Tip
Lavender generally prefers drier climates and is less prone to powdery mildew than many garden plants, but overcrowding and humid summers can still bring it on.
