Dakota Gardener: One plant you should clean up this fall

Unlike many fungal diseases, powdery mildew does not require water on the leaves to infect the plant. NDSU photo
Unlike many fungal diseases, powdery mildew does not require water on the leaves to infect the plant. NDSU photo

Powdery mildew, which is common in plants grown in the shade, can affect many different plant species.

I typically leave all my perennials, and even annuals, standing over the winter to provide cover for overwintering insects and to collect snow for winter protection. This year, however, I have four plants of the same species that will need to be cut back after a hard freeze.

Why? Powdery mildew on …