Black-eyed Susan is a pretty tough plant and doesn't suffer many problems. For time to time snails, slugs, and aphids may eat the leaves of this plant. Rabbits and deer will eat the entire plant.
| Solving Blackeyed Susan Problems | |
|---|---|
| Symptom | Probable Cause |
| Leaves Curled, Discolored | Aphids |
| Leaves Covered With White Powder | Powdery Mildew, a fungal disease |
| Deformed or Dwarfed Flowers | Plant Bug |
| Holes In Leaves | Sawfly |
| Spots-Dead or Pale Blotches on Leaves | Fungal Diseases |
| Crowns and Roots Rot; Odor Present | Crown Rot, a bacterial disease |
Crowns and Roots Rot; Odor Present From Crown Rot
Crown rot, caused by soil-dwelling bacteria and fungi, sometimes affects black-eyed Susans. It is signaled when no new shoots appear in spring. A bacteria, which turns the crown to mush and is often accompanied by an odor, affects a few spots on crown at first, and then spreads to the entire crown. The affected crown may then host fungal colonies on the surface. If there are already some leaves, the lower ones are discolored and the young shoots begin to wilt. The whole plant dies in a few days. When the plant is dug up the roots appear blackened, rotten and covered with white fungal threads.
Remove and discard any infected plants and their surrounding soil in the trash to limit the spread of the disease. Thoroughly cultivate the soil around your plants by loosening the first inch or two it and turning it with a hoe or trowel to encourage the soil to dry out and hinder the spread of the fungus. There is no permanent cure for crown rot. The disease is most likely to occur in the late winter thaw when dead leaves decompose on the ground and harbor bacteria and fungi which spread to healthy tissue. Keep winter mulch away from the crowns to reduce problems. Check plants often to catch the disease early.
Everything You Want to Know About Black-Eyed Susans – Right Here
My Black Eyed Susan's Leaves Are Turning Black
Black-eyed Susan leaves often turn black due to fungal infections like leaf spot caused by Septoria or Cercospora. These diseases thrive in warm, humid conditions, typically in August. To prevent spread, ensure plants have good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and consider thinning dense foliage. Quick drying after rainfall is crucial.
Do Rabbits Eat Black Eyed Susans?
Yes, rabbits are fond of black-eyed Susans, particularly due to their long stems. To deter them:
- Fencing: Install a physical barrier around your plants.
- Companion Planting: Mix less appealing, rabbit-resistant plants like lavender or mountain mints among your black-eyed Susans.
- Natural Repellents: Use bitter or aromatic herbs to ward off rabbits. Rabbits can also be identified by the clean 45-degree cuts they make on stems. They typically reach plants up to 3 feet high, so securing your garden is essential.
What Eats Black Eyed Susans?
Black-eyed Susans face threats from a variety of animals and insects:
- Rabbits & Deer: Rabbits love the stems, while deer may nibble in scarce conditions.
- Birds & Frogs: These creatures may use the plant for shelter.
- Caterpillars & Pollinators: Some butterfly species use black-eyed Susans as host plants.
- Pests: Insects like aphids, spider mites, and eriophyid mites can damage the plant. Protect your black-eyed Susans using physical barriers or natural repellents, and maintain a balanced ecosystem to support pollinators like bees.
Why Are My Black Eyed Susans Wilting?
Black-eyed Susans can wilt for several reasons:
- Watering Issues: Both underwatering and overwatering cause wilting. Check soil moisture about an inch deep before watering. If roots are soggy or mushy, you may need to replace the soil.
- Temperature Extremes: Heat stress can cause leaves to curl and wilt, while cold snaps may turn them purplish or lead to leaf drop.
- Pests & Diseases: Aphids, spider mites, and Verticillium Wilt can cause curling, wilting, and yellowing of foliage. Use integrated pest management techniques to protect your plants. Always ensure soil has proper drainage and only water when necessary
