Powdery Mildew

What it looks like

White-to-gray powdery growth covering leaves, stems, buds, or flowers, usually worst on new growth. It rubs off easily if you touch it. Heavy infections can twist or stunt new shoots.

Often mistaken for: Dust or spray residue on leaves

When it shows up in the Triangle

Shows up most often from late spring through summer, especially when it's humid and plants are crowded or shaded.

Where you’ll see it

Affects many landscape shrubs and trees, including crape myrtle, dogwood, rose, azalea, euonymus, and lilac.

What you can do

• Choose resistant varieties when planting new shrubs or trees
• Plant in full sun when possible — shade makes it worse
• Thin out crowded branches and remove suckers to improve airflow
• Prune off infected shoot tips and dispose of the clippings
• Avoid crowding plants too closely together