You can recognize an infestation of the laurel cherry with downy mildew by the white colored fungal growth on the underside of the leaves. There are often brown or purple spots on the top of the leaves. Downy mildew requires a lot of moisture to grow and occurs more frequently in wet weather.
How do you treat cherry laurel for downy mildew?
To combat downy mildew on cherry laurel, remove affected parts of the plant and dispose of them with household waste. Use environmentally friendly products such as garlic broth, onion broth or neem oil. If the infestation is severe, fungicides can be used. Also promote a natural balance in the garden.
Appropriate means
If the infestation is light, it may be sufficient to cut off all affected parts of the plant and dispose of them with household waste. You should avoid composting, as downy mildew forms permanent spores that are spread throughout the garden when fertilizer is applied.
Before you resort to chemicals, you should tackle downy mildew using environmentally friendly means. Spraying with garlic or onion broth has proven successful. Neem oil is considered a secret weapon against mildew. When sprayed on the plant, it increases its resistance and kills the fungus. If the infestation cannot be contained, retailers have highly effective fungicides available.
Tips & Tricks
Ensure a natural balance in the garden and prevent mildew infestation. The cute ladybugs feed on the fungus and keep it at bay.
