problem with lime coneflower
by Richard Kondrad
(Huntley, IL)
Doug says that it "sounds like" aster yellows. This is a phytoplasma disease (no known cure) that is spread by leafhoppers.
The advanced cases have yellowing leaves and flowers without petals.
Control is to mow surrounding foliage and start a leafhopper control programme. This is easier said than done in the home garden unfortunately. It involves regular spraying of a pesticide (such as rotneone or pyrethrum that last longer than a few hours)
The infected plants can't be saved. And if it is indeed Aster Yellows - your option is to dig out the plant and toss it before insects suck the sap on it and transmit that problem to other susceptible plants.
So having given you the bad news, the deal here is that you really need to get it identified by a reputable person in your area. That way you know it's that problem and simply not a throwback (unlikely). Or you simply bite the bullet and dig it out of your garden and start a control programme (for next year too) to stop leafhoppers from passing the problem along.
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