Homemade Solutions for Hydrangea Fungus

Hydrangea Fungi

• Native to North America, South America and Asia, hydrangeas are commonly used as ornamental plants in landscaping because of their blooms. Most hydrangeas blooms white, but differences in soil pH levels change the flowers to pink, violet and blue. Two forms of fungi regularly attack hydrangeas. Honey fungus grows on the woody stems and branches of mature plants. It gets its name from the honey- or amber-colored toadstools it produces. Mildew also infects hydrangeas. This slimy fungus grows on branches, leaves and flowers. Both fungi steal nutrients from the plants and both spread from one infected hydrangea to other healthy plants.

Honey Fungus Solutions

• Honey fungus doesn't respond to fungicidal treatments. Normal fungicides aren't strong enough to kill the fungus without permanently damaging to the hydrangea. Instead of trying to treat infected plants, focus on saving the healthy ones. Cut off infected branches and either burn them or wrap them in plastic before throwing them away. This prevents spores from reaching uninfected plants. Don't let infected plants touch healthy ones. Dig up and discard the entire infested plant if necessary.

Mildew Solutions

• Mildew growing is easier to treat. Combine 1 qt. of water, 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide and 2 tbsp. of baking powder in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle before applying the mixture. Squirt the infected hydrangeas with the solution, coating the mildew. Spray a thin border of healthy plant tissue around the mildew as well. This helps prevent the mildew from spreading to other parts of the infected plant. Reapply the solution ever week until the infection clears.

Considerations

• Prevent honey fungus from spreading by spraying healthy plants with the mildew-killing solution. It won't kill established honey fungus but can prevent the spores from taking hold. To avoid the risk of fungus growing on your hydrangeas, institute homemade cultural controls. Space the bushes far enough apart, so that air easily circulates around them. Water them at their bases rather than sprinkling the plants with water from over head. Remove any dead or fallen wood from your yard as soon as you spot it. Honey fungus can spread from a tree branch to your hydrangeas.