What is on my Mexican Petunia?

11 years ago

they seem to grow just fine and none of the plants next to them get this white stuff on them. It happens each year but has not been a problem that I can tell... But what is it and should I be worried?

I know many ppl don't care for this plant but I like it, it blooms all the time, mine is not unruley and I don't really bother with her but to cut her back when she gets to leggy while seeking the sun.

Featured Answer

juneroses Z9a Cntrl Fl

11 years ago

I believe it is a type of mite. See the link for pictures/more info. I had a significant amount of this on a large clump of "Purple Showers" Mexican petunia last year. I did nothing to combat it (i.e. no "treatment"). This year there is only one small area on a single stem.

Despite the fact that Maxican petunia is considered common, I also like this plant. As you said, it blooms all the time and both the flowers and the dark green stems are attractive and add a pleasing contrast to the garden.

http://dougsbugs-n-shrubs.blogspot.com/2009/10/white-stuff-on-mexican-petunia.html

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Comments (8)

carolb_w_fl_coastal_9/10
11 years ago
Looks like a fungal growth of some sort - I see something similar on mine here as well. Not sure exactly what it is tho.....
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irma_stpete_10a
11 years ago
Sweet in Tampa, some of mine here in St Pete have the dried white or grey appearance since "the rains". June, wish mine bloomed more often; do you fertilize or keep a little moist?
garyfla_gw
11 years ago
Hi

Mine get that but doesn't seem to have much effect Was always hoping it might slow them down a bit?? lol I got some of the white dwarf a couple of years ago and they are seeding everywhere . They seem to require a LOT more water in fact are growing best in the marsh garden

Mine came with the house and I'm still trying to learn to love them lol Love the color of the flowers though!!! gary
SweetMonkeyCheese Z9 Tampa
Original Author
11 years ago
OK yea, the link with the mites looks like it might be the answer. So funny how they like the petunias but don't seem to bother with the other plants that in mixed in with them.
jane__ny
11 years ago
i wouldn't use a chemical on them as they are a favorite of butterflies and bees. I have them growing all over and I keep chopping them back They take over but are very pretty.

Jane
SweetMonkeyCheese Z9 Tampa
Original Author
11 years ago
Irma - Every once in a while I'll put some miracle grow on them, they are mixed in other flowers so I have to mindful of the other plants that need a little more attention and so they get some loving too.
HU-759287936
last year
does this fungus spread?