Baptisia problem

Question: The seed pods of my Baptisia have turned black and the leaves are turning dark.  What is wrong with it?

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 03, 2024, 10:29 AM EDT
response: Hi,  The seed pods turning black are normal after the flowers have bloomed and they begin to dry. I have always thought of them as little rattles because you can hear the seeds inside when you shake them.  The leaves look like they may have powdery mildew on them. Is this on the north or east side of the house? Baptisia should be in mostly sun conditions. Do you water overhead? These probably don't need to be irrigated much unless you just planted them this year. If you do need to supplement water, try to water at the base and not get the leaves wet.  Just monitor for symptoms and see if anything changes.  Let us know if you have further questions or send in more photos.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 03, 2024, 10:44 AM EDT
response: Hello,   They face south, so they get full sun. They were planted last fall. I water with irrigation That’s about a foot off the ground and with the hose at ground level.  The irrigation runs very early in the morning.   Andrea   Sent from my iPhone  On Jul 3, 2024, at 10:29 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 03, 2024, 11:16 AM EDT
response: Ok - that all sounds appropriate but it could just be the humidity and that they are up against the house so less airflow. Overall it doesn't look like a major concern but if symptoms change, feel free to send back additional photos.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 12, 2024, 7:13 AM EDT
response: Unfortunately, the plant has now dropped its leaves.  What am I doing wrong?   What can I do to remedy this situation?    IMG_5130.JPG

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 12, 2024, 1:52 PM EDT
response: Leaf drop is a normal response for many plants when leaf damage is extensive, either due to infections like powdery mildew or feeding damage from insects or mites. Stress from high heat, especially when growing near a wall that interferes with air circulation and which reflects heat, may exacerbate that response to leaf damage. Regrowth might arise on its own, but should not be encouraged via fertilizer or other means since doing so could tax the plant further.  If no new growth is appearing on the stems after perhaps two or three weeks, you can cut the bare stems down to improve airflow around the crown (base growth points). Rake or leaf-blow out the fallen leaves, if you can, and dispose of them in case they are harboring spores. No other intervention is needed since no insecticide or fungicide will benefit the plant or remedy the situation. We have seen these symptoms from several other Maryland gardeners so far this season, and some have reported that the plants start to recover with new growth. (We don't hear back from everyone about how their plants are doing.)  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 09, 2024, 8:04 AM EDT
response: Hi,   I cut one plant back to the ground and trimmed bare stems from the other a few weeks ago.  Both are growing back mildew free.  The one I trimmed to the ground is growing best.  I am moving both away from the house this fall.   Andrea

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied August 09, 2024, 9:57 AM EDT
response: Thank you for the update - glad to hear the plants seem to be recovering well!  Miri