Troubleshooting
Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Alfie' problems — and how to fix them
Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Alfie' (Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Alfie') 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.
Aphids
Common on terminal growing points and within the anemone florets of mature blooms; monitor regularly and treat with insecticidal soap at the first signs of infestation.
Botrytis
Grey mould on the central disc florets in wet autumn weather; improve spacing and airflow and remove affected blooms as soon as they are noticed.
White rust
Notifiable fungal disease causing pale upper-leaf spots and white pustules below; destroy infected material and source certified disease-free cuttings from reputable suppliers.
Leaf spot
Dark angular spots on older leaves; remove affected material, avoid overhead watering, and apply a copper-based fungicide if lesions spread rapidly.
Chrysanthemum eelworm
Upward-spreading brown patches in the leaves during cool, wet seasons; no chemical treatment available — remove and destroy affected plants and avoid replanting chrysanthemums in the same bed.
Prevent chrysanthemum 'pennine alfie' problems before they start
Most chrysanthemum 'pennine alfie' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Alfie' problems — FAQ
Why is my chrysanthemum 'pennine alfie' aphids?
Common on terminal growing points and within the anemone florets of mature blooms; monitor regularly and treat with insecticidal soap at the first signs of infestation.
Why is my chrysanthemum 'pennine alfie' botrytis?
Grey mould on the central disc florets in wet autumn weather; improve spacing and airflow and remove affected blooms as soon as they are noticed.
Why is my chrysanthemum 'pennine alfie' white rust?
Notifiable fungal disease causing pale upper-leaf spots and white pustules below; destroy infected material and source certified disease-free cuttings from reputable suppliers.
Why is my chrysanthemum 'pennine alfie' leaf spot?
Dark angular spots on older leaves; remove affected material, avoid overhead watering, and apply a copper-based fungicide if lesions spread rapidly.
Why is my chrysanthemum 'pennine alfie' chrysanthemum eelworm?
Upward-spreading brown patches in the leaves during cool, wet seasons; no chemical treatment available — remove and destroy affected plants and avoid replanting chrysanthemums in the same bed.