DISEASE ID · WATER MOLD (FUNGUS-LIKE) DISEASE

Phytophthora aerial blight

Also called Aerial Phytophthora, vinca blight, periwinkle blight

A water mold that attacks vinca (periwinkle) in outdoor beds. In wet weather it moves fast and can kill the plants.

When you’ll see it: During long wet spells

How to spot it

Leaves shriveled and dull gray
Leaves and stems dying back at the top of the plant
Sunken spots (cankers) on the stems
Shows up fast in beds after long wet weather
Most common on vinca, also called periwinkle

Why it shows up

Splashing water carries contaminated soil onto the plant. It moves fast in outdoor beds during long wet spells.

How we treat it

We will identify it on a visit and recommend the right fix. The fix is mostly cultural. Mulch can cut down on splashing soil, and resistant vinca is the best bet when you replant. We will talk through options with you.

What you can do

Mulch the bed to cut down on splashing soil.
When you replant, choose a resistant vinca, like the Cora series.
Plant vinca in full sun with good drainage.

WANT IT HANDLED?

Let a licensed applicator take it from here.

Tell us about your lawn. We’ll get back to you with a free quote.

Prefer to talk? 817-382-1722

Licensed applicator, Texas Department of Agriculture · License #0984138