Starlight Baptista

[Georgeanne]

The stems on my Starlight Babtista are collapsing...it gets more than 6 hours of sun a day...it has no evidence of disease or pests...what could be the problem?...help!...new member from the Cascade Mtns in Central Oregon...Zone 6-7...on the cusp so to speak...Georgeanne

 

[lesa]

No idea, I am afraid, but I wanted to say "Welcome!"

 

[digitS']

Baptisia has been in my garden . . .

As I recall, baptisia is somewhat prone to mildew, like its cousin the lupine. Could that be the problem?

And, welcome to the forums, Georgeanne - from a gardener, not all that far away .

Steve

 

[Collector]

Welcome to TEG, from right next door!

 

[digitS']

Now that I've read my response and re-read your question, Georgeanne - I see that you said it had no sign of disease. Mildew shows up on the stem just as it will on the leaves. But, there should be some discoloring. Botrytis might also be a problem for you altho' it isn't really something I'm familiar with outside of the humid greenhouse environment. Once again tho', there should be some discoloration to the stems - and usually growing tips.

You say the plants have more than 6 hours of sun but do you really think that is enough? I know that the hollow-stem delphinium would like more than 6 hours of sun. If it doesn't get it - the stems will be weak and tall and likely break in the wind.

Steve

 

[catjac1975]

Could it be wind damage? Or just heavy flowers and weak stems?

 

[Georgeanne]

My Baptista is in the sun 99% of the day so it is getting enough sun...no evidence of molds, mildews etc...I'm very familiar w/ the look of those nasty diseases...but I think CatJac1975 might be correct...I've just cut off all the seed pods...hated to do it as I love the way they look...and the stems are slightly more upright...if I had deadheaded immediately after flowering I think all would have been ok...or maybe I can leave just a few on next year...now does the forum send out daily topics being discussed or only responses to an individual's questions? Thanks to all for the help...

 

[catjac1975]

You can use bamboo stakes to help keep them upright for longer. Orchid growers use little plastic butterfly clasps that girls use in their hair.They work well and are hidden from view very easily.

 

[Georgeanne]

You can use bamboo stakes to help keep them upright for longer. Orchid growers use little plastic butterfly clasps that girls use in their hair.They work well and are hidden from view very easily.

THAT IS A GREAT IDEA FOR SUPPORTING MANY PLANTS...I LIKE IT...WE HAVE BLACK BAMBOO GROWING IN THE GROUND INSIDE A BOX (BOTTOMLESS) OF SHEET METAL ABOUT 2 1/2 FT DEEP...IT IS A LARGE CLUMP AND THE SHEET METAL KEEPS IT UNDER CONTROL 99% OF THE TIME...WE DO GET A FEW ESCAPEES BUT PURGE THEM AS SOON AS WE SEE THEM...AND WE "HARVEST" MANY STAKES...SO GIRLY CLIPS HERE I COME!

 

[897tgigvib]

Welcome to the forum Georgeanne!

What one way to use this forum is click the words Recent Posts in the green bar a couple inches from the top of the screen.

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