Troubleshooting
Pelargonium 'Lord Bute' problems — and how to fix them
Pelargonium 'Lord Bute' (Pelargonium 'Lord Bute') 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.
Pelargonium rust
Concentric rings of brown spores on leaf undersides, worst in damp, crowded conditions. Remove affected leaves, improve airflow, and avoid wetting the foliage.
Black leg
Blackening, rotting stem bases from overwatering or cold, wet compost, especially in cuttings. Use free-draining mix and water sparingly.
Few flowers / leggy growth
Caused by too little light or too much nitrogen. Move to full sun, pinch the tips, and feed high-potash rather than high-nitrogen.
Botrytis (grey mould)
Fuzzy grey rot on spent blooms and leaves in cool, humid air. Deadhead promptly and increase ventilation.
Prevent pelargonium 'lord bute' problems before they start
Most pelargonium 'lord bute' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for pelargonium 'lord bute' in general rather than its problems? Read the full pelargonium 'lord bute' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Pelargonium 'Lord Bute' problems — FAQ
Why is my pelargonium 'lord bute' pelargonium rust?
Concentric rings of brown spores on leaf undersides, worst in damp, crowded conditions. Remove affected leaves, improve airflow, and avoid wetting the foliage.
Why is my pelargonium 'lord bute' black leg?
Blackening, rotting stem bases from overwatering or cold, wet compost, especially in cuttings. Use free-draining mix and water sparingly.
Why is my pelargonium 'lord bute' few flowers / leggy growth?
Caused by too little light or too much nitrogen. Move to full sun, pinch the tips, and feed high-potash rather than high-nitrogen.
Why is my pelargonium 'lord bute' botrytis (grey mould)?
Fuzzy grey rot on spent blooms and leaves in cool, humid air. Deadhead promptly and increase ventilation.