To our amazement, all but one variety returned the next spring. This year is the 4th winter for the ivies by the pond. They have proven to be one of our best plant investments. Sometimes after the onset of hot weather, hosta growers will find a plant that begins to look sickly. They turn limp and, if tugged gently, easily pull off.
Closer examination reveals mushy plant tissue and what appear to be white or brown mustard seeds.
Many Midwest growers now believe these symptoms indicate a form of Southern Blight. Cleaning off damaged tissue and treatment about 3 times through the growing season with a fungicide like Benomyl, Capstan, or Terrchlor is the best response. If you do not wish to use chemicals, try sprinkling Comet cleanser with bleach around the base of the plant. Southern Blight does often return and treating the soil area infected with fungicide for a period of 3 years does seem to save plants and prevent recurrence of the problem.