Landscape - Anthracnose in Liriope

Many landscape maintenance firms will be cutting back liriope in the near future. The following is a short article on anthracnose in liriope.

When cutting back old liriope leaves, look for the diagnostic red spots of anthracnose. This disease, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum, can disfigure current season's leaves from about midsummer on. The first signs of infection are small red spots that enlarge into large spots with tan canters and red borders. Anthracnose is favored by either stress conditions during the growing season or above average rainfall. The fungus overwinters on the old infected leaves, so removing the old leaves before the new ones emerge usually keeps it under control. Fungicides are generally not needed.