Question
QUESTION: Our 15 year old Wisteria Vine had a hearty bloom in 2009. On July 21st it seemed fine. On the 22nd all the leaves were severly wilted and falling off. we watered heavily and some lower leaves seem to be hanging of but the plant seems to be in a death spiral. Our nursery gal us puzzled. It gets adequate water and there have been no herbicides used near it. Any thoughts?
Thanks, Pete

ANSWER: Peter:
If it was literally fine one day and dying the next, I would not expect an infectious disease ,rather some type of trama to it.  Examine the base and lower stem closely for any type of physical damage- Plants usually don't go down that fast from a bona fide infectious disease.

Steve

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Steve: we did in fact check the Wisteria for damage but there has been none. We did have the house painted in May and power washed. the crew used lots of water and the plant did fine. It was the best bloomin year we have had in fact.  All the leaves have not fallen off but the far branches are still supple...not snaping off dry.
Actually we have a climbing Hydrangia on the N side of the house that has died as well. I wonder if there was something in the power wash that affected these two plants.? Pete

Answer
Peter:
I suppose the content(s) , especially if beach or a soapy solution might result in this. I just don't think it was a bona fide disease in this case based on your description. Sometimes it is better/easier to rule out factors in the environment than look for a fungus, bacteria etc.

Steve