Troubleshooting
Chrysanthemum 'Innocence' problems — and how to fix them
Chrysanthemum 'Innocence' (Chrysanthemum 'Innocence') 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.
Botrytis on white flowers
Tan or brown spotting on petals in damp conditions; deadhead spent blooms promptly and improve ventilation around plants.
Aphids
Congregate on soft growing tips; treat with insecticidal soap or reflective mulch around plants to deter winged aphids from landing.
Leaf spot
Dark spotting on older leaves in wet weather; remove affected foliage and avoid overhead watering.
White rust
Pale spots on upper leaf surface with white spore masses beneath; a notifiable disease in some regions — destroy all infected plant material.
Chrysanthemum eelworm
Brown patches spreading upward from base leaves; no chemical control available — destroy and do not replant chrysanthemums in the affected area.
Prevent chrysanthemum 'innocence' problems before they start
Most chrysanthemum 'innocence' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Chrysanthemum 'Innocence' problems — FAQ
Why is my chrysanthemum 'innocence' botrytis on white flowers?
Tan or brown spotting on petals in damp conditions; deadhead spent blooms promptly and improve ventilation around plants.
Why is my chrysanthemum 'innocence' aphids?
Congregate on soft growing tips; treat with insecticidal soap or reflective mulch around plants to deter winged aphids from landing.
Why is my chrysanthemum 'innocence' leaf spot?
Dark spotting on older leaves in wet weather; remove affected foliage and avoid overhead watering.
Why is my chrysanthemum 'innocence' white rust?
Pale spots on upper leaf surface with white spore masses beneath; a notifiable disease in some regions — destroy all infected plant material.
Why is my chrysanthemum 'innocence' chrysanthemum eelworm?
Brown patches spreading upward from base leaves; no chemical control available — destroy and do not replant chrysanthemums in the affected area.