[mrs bouquet]

Large year I bought 3 little things, they were bushy and flowering, about 6 inches high.     I forgot about them and this year they are about 2 feet tall, but beginning to show signs of something on the leaves.   Do I spray them, if so what with ?   They will be pretty if I can keep them well.    Thanks,  Mrs Bouquet

[mrs bouquet]

I have just thought, could it be mildew, something in the back of my brain tells me that's why I don't normally grow them ?    Still the same question really, what do I do to treat it ?  thanks,  Mrs B

[New shoot]

They are very prone to mildew Mrs B.  Best bet is to cut them down hard, feed them and make sure you water on a regular basis.  They will grow back fast and should flower this summer.

If you want to keep the new growth clean, I would use a general fungicide, like a Roseclear type product.  It is dryness at the roots which is the main problem, but the spray should nip any small new patches of mildew in the bud.  Once it sets in, the sprays are not that effective.