Russian sage

Powdery mildews

What you will see

White powdery coating on leaves and stems; leaves curl and dry out.

How to protect

1. Prevention

   • Sunny, airy position; not in a still spot against a wall.
   • Do not overdo nitrogen (lush young leaves are more susceptible).
   • Water at the roots, not on the leaves.
2. By hand as soon as the first symptoms appearQuickly cut out affected shoots and burn them or take them away (not to the compost).
3. Gentle spray at the start of infectionSulphur or fatty acids (potassium soap) according to the label.
4. Chemical — only when nothing else helps only in a heavy attackA product authorised in your country against powdery mildew.

Verticillium wilt

What you will see

Sudden wilting and yellowing of leaves from the bottom up, especially in hot weather.

How to protect

1. Prevention

   • Do not spread soil from affected plants on tools and footwear.
   • Do not plant susceptible species in the same place.
2. By hand as soon as it is foundDig up and destroy affected plants (not on the compost).

Root and crown rot

What you will see

Softening of the crown and roots; the plant wilts and browns despite watering.

How to protect

1. Prevention

   • Free-draining soil, no waterlogging (especially in winter).
   • Do not plant too deep.
2. By hand at the first symptomsDig up the affected plant; improve the soil with drainage; do not replant in the same place.

Honey fungus

What you will see

The plant wilts, white mycelium under the bark of the crown.

How to protect

1. Prevention

   • Remove stumps and dead roots from the surroundings.
2. By hand once noticedRemove the affected plant and roots.