As an avid gardener and plant enthusiast, I was heartbroken when I noticed the beautiful yellow blooms on my apache beggarticks plant starting to wilt and die back. This versatile wildflower adds such vibrant pops of color to any garden, so I was determined to get to the bottom of what was causing the decline.
Through trial and error combined with plenty of research, I uncovered the main factors that can lead to apache beggarticks flowers dying off. In this article, I’ll share what I learned so you can identify potential issues early and take action to revive your plant.
Environmental Causes of Apache Beggarticks Death
Apache beggarticks are relatively hardy plants, but they still have their preferences when it comes to their growing environment. Here are some of the most common environmental issues that can cause the flowers to die:
Improper Watering
Overwatering and underwatering are two sides of the same coin when it comes to growing apache beggarticks. These plants prefer moist but well-draining soil. Too much water can lead to root rot while too little causes the plant to dehydrate. I found the right balance by watering deeply once a week and letting the top inch of soil dry out between waterings.
Inadequate Sunlight
Apache beggarticks thrive in full sun, receiving at least 6 hours of direct light per day. Without enough sunlight, the plants stretch and become leggy as they reach for light. They also produce fewer blooms. I moved my plant from a partly shaded spot to a sunny garden bed and it perked right up!
Poor Soil Quality
These wildflowers grow best in slightly acidic, nutrient-rich soil with plenty of organic matter Compacted or sandy soil that lacks nutrients can prevent proper root development, leading to poor growth I amended my garden soil with compost which helped improve drainage and provide essential nutrients.
Pest and Disease Problems
In addition to environmental factors apache beggarticks are susceptible to some common garden pests and diseases that can also cause the flowers to fail. Here’s what to watch out for
Aphids
Tiny sap-sucking aphids can swarm apache beggarticks plants, causing deformed growth, yellowing foliage, and wilting blooms as they feed. Check the undersides of leaves regularly for any clusters of these pests. I use natural insecticidal soap to control aphids without harming beneficial insects.
Powdery Mildew
This fungal disease presents as a white powdery coating on leaves, stems and flowers. Humid, crowded conditions encourage it to spread. To prevent mildew, I space my apache beggarticks 12-18 inches apart and water early in the day so foliage dries quickly. Removing affected parts also helps control this disease.
Root Rot
Overwatering encourages fungal root rot that causes the roots to turn brown and mushy. Without healthy roots, the plant is unable to take up water and nutrients. I allow my soil to dry out between waterings now, and discarded any plants with advanced root rot.
How to Revive Your Apache Beggarticks
If your apache beggarticks flowers start to decline, don’t give up hope! Catching the problem early and taking corrective action can help revive the plant. Here are some tips:
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Assess your watering practices and adjust as needed – both over and under-watering cause issues.
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Move plants to a sunny spot if they are stretching for light.
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Test and amend soil with organic matter to improve drainage and nutrients.
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Inspect regularly for pests like aphids and signs of disease. Remove affected parts promptly.
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Use organic pest control measures like insecticidal soap or neem oil. Apply fungicides to control diseases.
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Consider repotting in fresh, suitable potting mix if the plant is rootbound or the roots are rotting.
With a little TLC and optimal growing conditions, your apache beggarticks can bounce back more vibrant than ever, rewarding you with their cheery yellow blooms. A revived plant can live for many more seasons, while problems left too long may kill the plant beyond recovery.
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Beggarticks aka Devil’s Beggarticks
FAQ
Why is my flower plant dying?
What to do when flower heads die?
How to keep bidens blooming?
Why do picked flowers die?
Are Apache beggarticks perennials?
Apache Beggarticks, Fern-Leaved Beggarticks, Coreopsis ferulifolia, Bidens procera Long-blooming and carefree, Bidens ferulifolia (Apache Beggarticks) is a vigorous low-growing evergreen perennial, often grown as an annual, boasting a profusion of delicately fragrant, bright yellow daisies, up to 2 in. across (5 cm).
What happens if a plant dies during a drought?
If the drought continues, the plant will eventually die. To prevent drought stress, make sure to water your plants regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. The amount of water you need to give your plants will vary depending on the type of plant, the size of the plant, and the weather conditions.
What happens if you cut a flower with a dried-out stem?
The condition of the cut stem is key. A cut flower with a dried-out stem is like a headless chicken with a scabbed-over windpipe: not long for this world. Luckily, in the case of flowers (or exceptionally long-necked chickens), you can cut off the dried-out portion. This reopens the tiny tubes through which the flower sucks up water.
How many types of beggartick flowers are there?
The genus encompasses approximately 280 species. Being in the Aster family, the flower has many florets per head. Florets are tubular, and they are orange to orangy-yellow. Beggartick flowers are in bloom anywhere from July through October depending on location. Blooms will persist one to two months.