Fuchsia: Rust

Biology

Fuchsia rust is caused by a fungus. It also affects fireweed and true firs. It produces yellowish spores on fir needles. Spores produced on firs then infect fuchsia. Older leaves are more susceptible, and low light encourage the disease. The rust can overwinter on fuchsia and maintain itself indefinitely, independent of alternating to fir. Pale, yellowish spots appear and may change rapidly to tan or brown necrotic spots. On some cultivars, spots may bear purple borders and appear on only a few leaves. Tiny yellow to reddish fruiting bodies (uredinia) develop in jumbled groups along borders of spots on leaf undersides, which are easily overlooked. Heavily affected leaves dry up and drop; in extreme cases, whole plants may die.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Remove any true fir or fireweed (alternating hosts) from the immediate area.
• Remove and destroy all fallen or infected leaves.
• Plant resistant cultivars, and widely separate them from vulnerable cultivars.
• Maintain dry foliage, and space plants for proper air circulation.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

• None recommended

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