Lisa they need those leaves to enable them to grow so despite the powdery mildew I would not cut them back. I would certainly bag and trash the leaves as they fall. Unusual for Veronica to get pm. I get it on Phlox p. and sometimes Monarda. Your season must be just about over. Some plants still look really good but others not so much here.

cut it down next spring ...

its october..who is surprised there is mildew out there.. show of hands??... anyone???? ....[spider webs with dew also...]

agree.. even damaged leaves process light into energy.. to grow the roots ..... to get the plant established next year ...

ken

I’m glad I asked! I expected to hear it was bad to let anything stick around with PM, but I felt like they need the sunlight that’s still shining on them to give them energy. Thanks for the reassuring advice!

Hi, lindalana The Veronicas are next to some Asters so I didn’t know if I was risking it spreading, but I usually don’t have a big problem with PM. Sometimes I’ve cut down phlox that have it, and other times I never get to them, and the snow knocks them down. Usually, they come back just fine.

I planted with Biotone, which is about giving the roots nutrients, so hopefully, they come back healthy in spring.

How fun to have a new puppy, but too bad it's allergic to dandelions. I like to let mine flower for any early pollinators that are out and about.

I have soil/water with a high pH so also have a problem with calcium availability. I hope your soil test helps you figure it out for your gardens.

Update: Here are the Veronicas pink 'First Love' now. Looking good and happy in their spot. Powdery mildew isn't something I get very often, so okay, I was over-reacting. :-) I think these plants were stressed when planted and don't expect to see it come back this year.

They look great Lisa! Thankyou for the update.

Yes Lisa, they do look really healthy. I don’t have PM on my Veronica, but on my monarda. I have three different types of monarda. One has the PM, but the others don’t. The varieties are right next to each other. Doesn’t seem to spread from one to the other…… go figure.

debra

Wow, what a change! Love how healthy your border looks! 💕

What are soft thin long leaved one?

linda, thanks! And the long leaves are a bit deceptive if they look soft because they're Bearded Iris.