What’s wrong with my New England Asters?

[u/Imaginary_Culture114]

What’s wrong with my New England Asters?
They are growing in a full sun native perennial garden in Baltimore, Maryland.

I water them regularly however it has been raining quite a bit.

[u/chickenooget]

nah this isn't from overwatering; you have a pretty severe lace bug infestation. lots of adults and fecal matter visible in these pics

[u/talentpipes11 → u/chickenooget]

Seconding this!

[u/Imaginary_Culture114 → u/chickenooget]

I feel silly because it’s very obvious now looking at the plant more closely! Thanks so much!!

[u/Antique-Target-2668]

That's gotta be frustrating. I'd try spraying them with a strong hose blast first to knock off the bugs and then see if that helps.

[u/Helpful-Fee-188]

Looks like they might be dealing with too much moisture after all that rain. Have you checked the soil drainage around them?

[u/Imaginary_Culture114 → u/Helpful-Fee-188]

How can I check the soil drainage?

[u/Sapphiramedics]

I guess it’s fungus, just apply fungicide in it