Troubleshooting
Cushion Draba problems — and how to fix them
Cushion Draba (Draba bruniifolia) 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.
Cushion rot in wet winters
Persistently wet conditions cause fungal rot at the centre of the cushion, which collapses and browns. Improve drainage, apply a gravel collar, and consider growing in an alpine house or covered frame through the wettest months.
Vine weevil grubs
Larvae can attack roots in container-grown plants, causing sudden collapse. Check roots when repotting and apply biological nematode controls (Steinernema kraussei) in late summer or early autumn.
Etiolation in low light
Any shade causes the cushion to lose density and become open and straggly. There is no remedy short of moving the plant to a fully open, sunny position and allowing it to grow back into form over one to two seasons.
Prevent cushion draba problems before they start
Most cushion draba issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Cushion Draba problems — FAQ
Why is my cushion draba cushion rot in wet winters?
Persistently wet conditions cause fungal rot at the centre of the cushion, which collapses and browns. Improve drainage, apply a gravel collar, and consider growing in an alpine house or covered frame through the wettest months.
Why is my cushion draba vine weevil grubs?
Larvae can attack roots in container-grown plants, causing sudden collapse. Check roots when repotting and apply biological nematode controls (Steinernema kraussei) in late summer or early autumn.
Why is my cushion draba etiolation in low light?
Any shade causes the cushion to lose density and become open and straggly. There is no remedy short of moving the plant to a fully open, sunny position and allowing it to grow back into form over one to two seasons.