Troubleshooting
Bushgrass problems — and how to fix them
Bushgrass (Calamagrostis arundinacea) is generally low-drama, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Powdery mildew on foliage
White powdery coating on leaves appears in warm, dry conditions with poor air circulation; improve spacing, avoid overhead watering late in the day, and remove severely affected foliage.
Crown rot in waterlogged soil
Though tolerant of dry shade, this species dislikes prolonged waterlogging; if planted in heavy clay with poor drainage, crowns may rot — improve drainage with grit or raised planting.
Prevent bushgrass problems before they start
Most bushgrass issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Bushgrass problems — FAQ
Why is my bushgrass powdery mildew on foliage?
White powdery coating on leaves appears in warm, dry conditions with poor air circulation; improve spacing, avoid overhead watering late in the day, and remove severely affected foliage.
Why is my bushgrass crown rot in waterlogged soil?
Though tolerant of dry shade, this species dislikes prolonged waterlogging; if planted in heavy clay with poor drainage, crowns may rot — improve drainage with grit or raised planting.