Resistant flora against honey fungus infection
In the world of gardening, maintaining a vibrant and healthy garden is a top priority for many. One common challenge that gardeners face is the presence of honey fungus, a fungal disease that can affect a wide range of woody plants and trees. However, not all plants are equally susceptible to this fungus, and some, like the Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica), are resistant.
The Japanese quince is a wall shrub or hedging plant, grown for its intense orange-red flowers that bloom in early spring. It thrives best in a sunny or partly shaded spot in moist but well-drained soil. It's important to note that the Japanese quince should not be confused with the edible quince, Cydonia oblonga.
Other plants that are not affected by honey fungus include various types of Phlomis, such as Phlomis fruticosa, Phlomis russeliana, Phlomis longifolia, and Phlomis tuberosa. These plants provide winter interest, tiered seedheads, and evergreen foliage, and are a magnet for pollinating insects, particularly bumblebees.
Honeysuckle, a member of the Caprifoliaceae family, is another plant that is not affected by honey fungus. It includes many different types, such as climbing, evergreen shrubby, and winter-flowering honeysuckles, which are ideal for covering walls and fences, making great low hedges, and providing flowers for the colder months.
However, the search results do not provide a direct or explicit list of plants that are resistant to honey fungus (Armillaria spp.). Based on general knowledge and inference from the search results, Buddleja fallowiana, a shrub that may be susceptible to honey fungus, is an exception.
In addition to these plants, certain conifers like pines and cedars, and some deciduous trees such as horse chestnut and black locust are typically considered more resistant to honey fungus. Herbaceous plants and grasses are also generally resistant because honey fungus mainly affects woody plants.
When honey fungus reaches a garden, it can cause significant damage, killing old and majestic trees and shrubs, which can be a problem for orchard owners. If honey fungus is suspected, look for signs of decay and white fungal material beneath the bark at the collar of the plant where the roots and stem meet. Digging in the soil around affected plants may reveal dark, bootlace threads.
Some other plants that have proven to be resistant to honey fungus include the common myrtle (Myrtus communis), lavender, and various types of salvias. The common myrtle is an evergreen shrub or small tree bearing fragrant white flowers in late summer and has good drought tolerance. Lavender, a member of the mint family Lamiaceae, is generally resistant to honey fungus and provides spikes of fragrant, nectar-rich flowers in summer. Salvias, both herbaceous and shrubby types, have mercifully proven to be resistant to honey fungus and there are lots of beautiful types to grow.
Lastly, the yew (Taxus baccata) is a large conifer that is rarely affected by honey fungus and works well as an evergreen hedge or a backdrop to shrubs and perennials.
In conclusion, while the search results do not provide a definitive list of honey fungus-resistant plants, the Japanese quince, various Phlomis, honeysuckle, common myrtle, lavender, salvias, and yew are some examples of plants that are not affected by or are resistant to honey fungus. For a comprehensive list, additional research from specialized sources or extension websites would be necessary.
The Japanese quince and various Phlomis, such as Phlomis fruticosa, Phlomis russeliana, Phlomis longifolia, and Phlomis tuberosa, are examples of plants that thrive despite being resistant to honey fungus. Additionally, honeysuckle, common myrtle, lavender, salvias, and yew are other plants that are not affected by or are resistant to honey fungus, providing valuable options for gardeners seeking to maintain a healthy, honey fungus-free garden.
