Troubleshooting
Hairy-fruited Draba problems — and how to fix them
Hairy-fruited Draba (Draba lasiocarpa) 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.
Fungal rot on hairy foliage
The hair-covered leaves and pods trap moisture, predisposing the plant to Botrytis and other fungal rots in wet conditions. Remove affected material promptly, improve airflow, and avoid overhead watering entirely.
Crown rot in winter
Persistent rain and cold wet soil cause the crown to rot. Plant in well-drained, raised positions; top-dress with coarse grit around the collar and consider overhead glass protection in areas with wet winters.
Vine weevil grubs
Root destruction by vine weevil larvae causes wilting and cushion collapse. Check roots at repotting and apply biological nematode control (Steinernema kraussei) in spring and autumn.
Prevent hairy-fruited draba problems before they start
Most hairy-fruited draba issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Hairy-fruited Draba problems — FAQ
Why is my hairy-fruited draba fungal rot on hairy foliage?
The hair-covered leaves and pods trap moisture, predisposing the plant to Botrytis and other fungal rots in wet conditions. Remove affected material promptly, improve airflow, and avoid overhead watering entirely.
Why is my hairy-fruited draba crown rot in winter?
Persistent rain and cold wet soil cause the crown to rot. Plant in well-drained, raised positions; top-dress with coarse grit around the collar and consider overhead glass protection in areas with wet winters.
Why is my hairy-fruited draba vine weevil grubs?
Root destruction by vine weevil larvae causes wilting and cushion collapse. Check roots at repotting and apply biological nematode control (Steinernema kraussei) in spring and autumn.