Powdery Mildew

Powdery Mildew

Spring rains brings on powder mildew. Now is the time to prevent and control powdery mildew before is takes over your garden.


The new leaves, twigs, and flower buds are covered with a thin layer of grayish white powdery material. In extreme cases leaves can be curled and turn yellow or purple and drop off. New growth can be stunted and young canes can die. Badly infected flower buds will not open correctly.

This common plant disease is caused by a fungus (Sphaerotheca pannosa var. rosae). It is one of the most widespread and serious diseases of roses. The powdery covering consists of fungal strands and spores. The spores are spread by the wind to healthy plants. The fungus saps the plant nutrients, causing distortion, discoloring, and sometimes death of leaves and canes. Powdery mildew may occur on roses anytime during the growing season when rainfall is high or absent, temperatures are mild, nighttime relative humidity is high, and daytime humidity is low. Rose varieties differ in their susceptibility to powdery mildew.

An organic solution is Green Light Rose Defense
Rose Defense is three organic products in one: an insecticide, a fungicide and a miticide. It is a botanical product made from neem oil.

Prevent and control:
blackspots powdery mildew rust many more diseases
aphids scale whiteflies many more insects & mites
Where to use it:
flowers ornamentals trees shrubs

An inorganic solution is Bayer Advanced Garden Disease Control for Roses, Flowers & Shrubs
3-In-1 Insect, Disease & Mite Control
Triple protection for flowering plants, trees and shrubs

1. Kills and controls insects
2. Cures and prevents fungal disease
3. Controls Spider Mites

Protects up to two times longer against twice as many pests versus other brands
Systemic rainproof protection lasts up to 30 days