Question
QUESTION: Hi there

I'm wondering if you can help me. I recently bought assorted thymes to plant around my back garden. And one of the lemon thymes has a problem. It started off on one side of the plant and its almost like a pink dust and it has now spread right across the plant.

Initially I didn't think it was a health issue but now some of the leaves are starting to look a little withered too. Would you have any idea what this could be and how I can get rid of it?

Regards

Trefor

ANSWER: Trevor:
Can you send along a closeup photo of this pink stuff? It maybe an insect issue, but best to get a positive ID first. You can also snip off a few affected leaves and carry to you local garden center for them to check, then prescribe a solution.

Steve

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


Lemon Thyme   QUESTION: Hi Steve

On close inspection it doesn't really look like dust. Its just that it has a more matt appearance than the normal foliage. I've included a shot of one of the others to show the difference. Pretty striking.

I hope this helps identify it.

Regards

Trefor

Answer
Trefor:
This  coloration does not look like an insect nor a disease, but probably a response to an unfavorable environment such as a temperature and/or moisture or even a fertility issue. Don't think it is contagious. I expect it will return to normal with a more conducive growing regime.

Steve