• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
Deformed-Zinnia-Flower-THUMB.jpg

Deformed Zinnia Flower

The zinnias I planted all developed normal blooms except for one. It has a bright red and yellow center, but is missing its petals.  Do you know what could have caused the unusual look?

Zinnias like many of its relatives and a variety of other plants are susceptible to aster yellows.  The disease can cause leaves to yellow, stunted growth, or misshapen and discolored flowers. This disease, classified as a phytoplasm, is spread by aster leafhoppers.  As the insects feed on infected plants they suck out plant juices containing the disease organism.  When they hop to the next plant they inject some of their saliva, disease and all, infecting the healthy plant.  There is no chemical control for the disease.  Remove and destroy infected plants as soon as they are found to reduce the source of the disease.  Next, control the disease carrying leafhoppers with insecticidal soap or Neem, eco-friendly insecticides.  As always be sure to read and follow label directions carefully.

Related

Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars


March 20, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Maximize the Beauty and Enjoyment
in Any Small Space
Register now

March 23, 2024

REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, WI

March 27, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

How to Start a Garden for Beginners
Register now

April 3, 2024
Garden Trends 

Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI

April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now

April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now

April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now

April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs 
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL

April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI

April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI

May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win The Birds & Blooms' Ultimate Gardening Guide !

ENTER NOW