Question
We planted purple coneflowers last year in our garden.  They are in full sun and did beautifully last year.  This year they have great looking plants, are ready to bloom and now they are dieing off.  The leaves turn black and then they wilt.  Our neighbor is having the same problem.  We have had a lot of rain this summer, is that the problem?  The plants look really healthy until this starts.  What do we need to do?  We live in middle of Iowa.  Thanks for any help you can give us.

Answer
Dear Joyce, It definitely sounds like the excess water has caused this plant injury.  This has been a bad year for plants in this country as half of us are very dry and the rest is completely saturated.  Coneflowers prefer a much drier soil.  Hopefully the ground is drier now, as this will be necessary to save these plants.  I would cut the plants back to give them a fresh start; hopefully the weather will be drier and they will still be able to bloom this year.  You should also spray the area with NEEM as that will help kill any buildup of fungus that may be developing and protect your plants from rot which is probably beginning to form.  I hope this information helps.  Please let me know if I can assist you further.  Good luck, Melissa