Mildew on Honeysuckles

[Mimi]

I remember posting a question about mildew on my honeysuckles last year but search hasn't thrown much up.  I have two lonicera (variety unknown) Last year by about July they were covered in mildew and then all the leaves fell off.  Is there anything that I can do to prevent it happening this year.  Both plants where well pruned at the end of last year and are now starting to spring into life again.  They are both well mulched as the soil is a bit freedraining.

[Mimi]

[MrsKP]

mine suffered last year too Mimi, but i had overcrowded a very small balcony and it could get rather humid sometimes and i took that to be the reason.

when we moved, i gave it a right good prune but i don't know whether it was the right thing to do or not, but if in doubt .... prune  :P  it's showing new green leaves now though so i take it that it's still alive !  it never had room to stretch on the balcony, so i'm hoping this summer it will return with a flourish.

[Rosa_Mundi]

Dryness at the roots can contribute to mildew on honeysuckles, along with poor air circulation. Organic control is one part full cream milk to 10 parts plain water sprayed on at intervals of every 3-5 days (others may be able to be more precise on the details). Don't wait until the mildew's got a good grip, though - spray as soon as you see it.

[beejay]

I have always understood that honeysuckles are more prone to mildew when they lack water, indeed as RM says. It may be that your mulch is not keeping enough moisture in the soil for them.

[froglets]

I'd agree with the dryness diagnosis - previous garden, two honeysuckles from cuttings from the same plant.  One in shade most of the year, one in full sun - the one in full sun suffered horribly from mildew & dropped it's leaves, the one in shade ( and the much damper soil) grew like topsy & was much healthier, scent was stronger too.

[MrsKP]

well i'll not have to worry about my one now then. 

thanks for the tips.

;D

[Mimi]

Thanks all ;D

[MrsKP]

Just thought i'd update you ............. same problem this year as last.

plenty of new growth (infact nearly covering the rose arch), but horrible mildew despite keeping it well watered and mulched.

has plenty of air circulation around it, and although most of it does get the sun, the roots are shaded (behind g/h No. 1).  i forgot to look for this post until i did a search just there, so haven't done the milk spray thing at all.

it's not in the soil either, but in a planter and has only had one bloom all season.

questions .....

1.  should i cut it right back at the end of the season and try again next year ?

2.  would it be better in the ground ?

3.  am i too late to give it a milk bath to be useful this season ?

4.  what should i be doing with the infected/dropped leaves ?

as always  :-* :-*