Brown thumb...? (flowers, tree, crape, nursery)

[Laura707]

For the last 2 years the flowers I have planted started dying as soon as I planted them.

I had a crape myrtle tree right by the flower bed that would get this white powdery substance on it, the leaves would turn black and just die. I have had the tree cut down but it is coming back as you will see in the pictures. This powdery white substance has spead to my flower bed and I think that is what is killing my flowers..

Anyone have any idea what this is and how to get rid of it? Do I need to treat the flower bed before planting anything else in it? My green thumb is brown now...

[Rudbeckia]

It looks like powdery mildew. You can try spraying a fungicide, make sure all fallen leaves are thrown away, also I would try rotating a resistant flower in to your beds.

[tcs1366]

sounds like mildew to me. I've never had it ... but did a quick google
Controlling and Preventing Powdery Mildew on Plants

hope this helps

[Laura707]

Thanks..

[MetroBTR]

You could try calling a local nursery or plant expert. As plants are a huge part of their everyday lives, they have probably seen things like this on countless occasions, and will likely know exactly what you are talking about and can offer their advice.