Mildew? Does anyone know how bad this is? I grow organically. I can ignore a purely visual mildew problem but not serious illness or death

Mildew? Does anyone know how bad this is? I grow organically. I can ignore a purely visual mildew problem but not serious illness or death

Re: Mildew? Does anyone know how bad this is? I grow organically. I can ignore a purely visual mildew problem but not serious illness or death

Reply from Kathy C

Hi, Ellen!
From what I can gather, 'Superba' is no more susceptible to mildew than other Lonicera. In fact, the hairy leaves may help to prevent an problem more than smooth leaves would. Since you grow organically, the best way to prevent mildew is to make sure your plant does not suffer from dry conditions and always keep leaf debris beneath the plant cleaned up -the fungus will overwinter in leaves/debris at the base of the plant. Finally, if you do notice mildew, immediately remove and discard infected leaves/stems and sterilise the secateurs you used.
All the best,
Kathy C