Normally, the honeysuckle presents a healthy image. However, it cannot be described as robust. On the contrary: it is considered sensitive and susceptible to diseases. Read on to find out more!

Too much fertilizer, wet or dry conditions can be the cause of honeysuckle disease

Powdery mildew - the most common fungal disease on honeysuckle

Honeysuckle is often attacked by powdery mildew. You can recognize it by a white coating on the upper side of the leaves. It is wipeable. The cause is usually too high temperatures and the associated dry weather.

Downy mildew also likes to spread on the honeysuckle. It can be recognized by a gray layer on the underside of the leaf. Just like powdery mildew, the leaves gradually turn brown until they finally fall off…

Root rot does not stop at honeysuckle

A compacted substrate paired with a wet environment leads to waterlogging and then root rot is not long in coming. If you smell a foul smell, it might already be too late. In most cases, the honeysuckle can no longer be helped when infested with this fungal pathogen… Prevention in the form of drainage and correct watering is therefore the be-all and end-all.

Cripples are not a disease

Sometimes the leaves look stunted. They are also whitish to yellowish and curled up. The reason is not an illness. There are aphids at work here! You can combat this with soapy water or nettle broth, among other things.

Causes of disease infestation on honeysuckle

When honeysuckle is weakened, it is less resistant to pathogens. Then it has other priorities. The following aspects can weaken this climbing plant:

  • over-fertilization/nutrient deficiency
  • drought and heat
  • waterlogging
  • too sunny location
  • improper pruning
  • too low humidity
  • Transplant stress

Be careful when removing diseased parts of the plant

Diseased parts of the plant should be removed immediately to prevent the pathogens from spreading to other areas. But be careful: If you cut off the shoots, leaves or flowers, you should wash your hands afterwards and dispose of the cut parts of the plant. They are poisonous.

tips and tricks

If the leaves curl up in winter, this is not an indication of a disease. This is a protective mechanism of the honeysuckle. It thus reduces its water loss through evaporation.

Category:

Vegetable garden