Troubleshooting
Alpine Campion problems — and how to fix them
Alpine Campion (Silene alpestris) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Smut fungus
Black, sooty fungal masses can replace flower anthers or appear on leaves; remove affected growth promptly and improve airflow; avoid overhead watering.
Powdery mildew
White powdery coating on leaves in humid summers; maintain good air circulation around the mat, water at the base only, and apply a preventive fungicide if the problem recurs.
Crown rot in winter wet
Plants grown in poorly drained soil often die over winter; mulching the crown with grit and ensuring the site never lies wet is the best prevention.
Prevent alpine campion problems before they start
Most alpine campion issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Alpine Campion problems — FAQ
Why is my alpine campion smut fungus?
Black, sooty fungal masses can replace flower anthers or appear on leaves; remove affected growth promptly and improve airflow; avoid overhead watering.
Why is my alpine campion powdery mildew?
White powdery coating on leaves in humid summers; maintain good air circulation around the mat, water at the base only, and apply a preventive fungicide if the problem recurs.
Why is my alpine campion crown rot in winter wet?
Plants grown in poorly drained soil often die over winter; mulching the crown with grit and ensuring the site never lies wet is the best prevention.