Pansies are eye-catching additions for any flower garden. While they require little maintenance compared to other species, these colorful blooms are more susceptible to certain plant health problems. To protect your flowers and surrounding foliage, here are some common pansy diseases to look for.

5 Pansy Diseases That Impact Plant Health

1. Myrothecium Crown Rot

Hot, humid conditions can spur the development of Myrothecium crown rot, a fungus that causes discoloration along the plant’s crown. Once the mold’s small black dots appear, the only solution is to discard the affected plant to prevent further spread of the disease.     

2. Anthracnose

Characterized by small, white spots, this disease is also caused by a fungus. It is often concentrated on the plant’s lower leaves and will form in humid weather. Tackle the spread of anthracnose by removing the affected leaves.   

3. Botrytis Blight

Cooler weather, such as temperatures in the low 50s to 70s contribute to this fungus. Humid conditions are also known to encourage growth. The blight is easily identified by its web-like patches of brown and gray spots. Like Myrothecium crown rot, this condition can only be addressed by removing the affected plant from the garden.

4. Powdery Mildew

As temperatures change in the spring and fall, gardeners are more likely to spot signs of powdery mildew. White patches of this fungus start small, then take over entire leaves until the plant is covered. Fortunately, people often refresh their gardens in the spring and fall, making it easier to remove the unhealthy plants.

5. Cercospora Leaf Spot

This leaf spot gets its name from the isolated patches of gray fungus it creates. Like powdery mildew, it is most common in the spring and fall. Look for raised spots roughly a quarter-inch in diameter along the lower part of the plant and remove any leaves that have been affected.

 

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