Thin plants if needed to improve air movement and speed drying time. If necessary, spray with a properly labeled fungicide during bud break in the spring. Leaves develop brown, rotted areas. Stems and flower stalks may suddenly wilt and fall over. Flower buds may turn dark and fail to open.
Opened flowers appear rotted and discolored and fall prematurely.
During wet weather, affected areas may be covered with brown, fuzzy sporulation of the Botrytis fungus. Cut off, rake, and burn plant debris in the fall. Avoid overhead irrigation late in the day or at night. Prune away shade-producing vegetation. Space plants well when planting.