AboutTom Alonzo Expertise I have been a gardener for 20 years with perennials both growing from seed and from nurseries. I went through the Master Gardener Program from Kansas State University Cooperative Extension Service and I answered questions on the Hotline a few years ago for the Wyandotte County Kansas Extension Service. I have also lived in the Florida, California, Hawaii, Arizona, Texas, Kansas and Missouri and am experienced with a variety of climates, soils and weather conditions.
Experience I have been growing perennials for over 20 years now. I am self-taught mostly except for a master gardener class. I have experimented with all kinds of perennials including many that are not common to my area. I have read hundreds of books and grown hundreds of varieties of plants and hope to make it a business some day. I have become versed in botanical names and growing conditions and what I don't know off of the top of my head I can usually easily find in my vast array of research material and botanical and horticultural contacts. I especially enjoy experimenting with growing plants out of zone.
Question QUESTION: I have a gorgeous lace cap that is about 3-4 years old. Very dependable - however, this year, I have had three of the branches 'die' - another one is in the process- the leaves wilt and then I have to prune. It is adequately watered, has not been moved, under a dogwood and a maple with plenty of morning sunlight. This is the first year it has done this. Am I about to lose the entire bush? Can you help?
ANSWER: Hi Martha,
Thanx for your question. What is your general location?
thx,
Tom
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QUESTION: I'm so sorry, I know to let you know where I am located. I live in Chesapeake, VA - perfect four season weather.
Answer Hi Martha,
Thanx for your question. It sounds like it might be anthracnose. To control this by raking and removing and destroying fallen leaves and twigs and pruning dead branches so the disease will not overwinter. Planting disease resistant varieties and use of chemicals will also control Anthracnose. Another thing I would do is take a sample of the the diseased shrub to your local County Extension office.
