On Labor Day I planted two Prophet series "Bonnie" mums. The next morning they looked as if someone had stomped once right in the middle -- laying down in a nice round ring instead of standing upright being bushy and pretty.
So they lay there for two weeks, and now they're actually starting to die. We've had average rainfall and they get about 5-6 hours of sun. Other fall-blooming plants in this bed are fine.
Two years ago when I last tried 'em, the same thing happened. I see mums all over the darn state and mine are the only ones lying down! Grrrrr. Any thoughts?
What is it with me and mums?
I'm curious to see what others suggest might be happening. I haven't a clue and will follow this thread in hopes you get an answer.
Do you have an animal that might be laying in them?
Nope, no pets, if something lay down in just those two plants it was something wild! I do have a bunny who lives under the pine tree and causes me much grief with things like dahlias and gerbera daisies, but nothing has been eaten since I planted the mums, so I kinda doubt that Bunny FooFoo is the culprit!
What kind of soil are they planted in? I have had mums so large that I had to tie them up. This sounds very odd. Can you post a pic?
They're in bedding soil bought from a nursery a few years ago, which has been occasionally fertilized. Some things in it, like impatiens, haven't liked it much. But other stuff does OK. Here's a pic, sorry it's a bit fuzzy. Camera takes forever to focus itself.
Chrysanthemums are susceptible to a pathogen known as fusarium wilt, which can be soil borne, and as its name suggests, causes wilting and eventually, death. If your plant was fine in the pot, then collapsed after being planted, I'd consider this as a possibility.
Maybe next time, leave it in the pot, or plant it in a large planter, with sterilised soil.
Excellent information. Would it affect the plant less than 24 hours after planting in infected soil? Scary stuff!
OK, next question: If it's the soil, will the fungus survive the winter? (Connecticut) Or should I get rid of the soil, and/or treat it with something?
What else does the fusarium wilt affect besides vegetables? (I did a little Googling.)
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