Hi! Look at my sickly coneflower. All of them are dying, and I have a lot. Last year they were beautiful. I suspect a fungus, but I'm afraid to spray due to the bees and butterflies. Is there anything I can do to prevent it from coming back next year in the soil? Thanks, cj
From looking at the photo, I would agree that you have a fungus - like black spot maybe - growing on you coneflowers.
First of all, I would cut the plants back - almost to the ground. That will get rid of some of it. Someone correct me if I am mistaken, but I don't think a fungicide kills insects or harms any wildlife. I use it when I have black spot on my ivy bed and the bugs are just fine. I personally like Ortho Rose Pride because it covers a lot of different fungus including black spot. Spray the soil good too. If the coneflowers are in a bed with other perennials, I would be sure to spray the entire bed. It usually takes three treatments about 10 days apart to wipe out the disease.
I believe most fungicides are copper-based (as in the metal copper). This will not hurt the insects in the garden. Follow the instructions on the fungicide label. I hope you are able to save your coneflowers.
Thanks for the advice..I'll give it a try. cj
