Question
Hi Tom,

My perennial sunflower has not been doing that great: it looks like it is either giving in to some insects or having a disease. My plant does look similar to what I have read if it were subjected to aphids: some of the branches are totally dry (with the leaves being curled and dry). I am curious though since I also read that aphids like daisies as well. I have daisies just near the sunflower and they look very healthy. So is the sunflower under aphids attack or is it having some other disease?

Thank you,
Oxana
P.S. I live north of Toronto, zone 5.

Answer
Hi Oxana,
Thanx for your question.  You should be able to see the aphids on the underside of the leaves.  They will appear as tiny flea-like insects green, white or yellow.  You can treat the plant with an insecticidal soap available at your nursery or d-i-y store.  You can also hose the plant down with a stream of hose water.  Cut off the dead ends.  I'm afraid after the aphids are done feasting on the sunflower they will go after the daisies.  Look on the plant first and see if you can find the aphids.  It could also be stalk rot which is usually caused by a fungus.  You can treat this with a fungicide if you don't find any pests.  I hope this helps.
Tom