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If your pansies looked pooped, and violas aren't growing well, the problem could be black root rot (BRR) caused by the fungus Thielaviopsis. This fungus produces two spore types: large, dark aleuriospores (chamydospores) and smaller, clear, rectangular endospores (conidia). When purchasing plants, check the root system. Generally a healthy root mass will be brilliant white. If off color, BRR could be a problem. Cultural methods in production include water management (not too wet) and pH management (acidic media/soils are less conducive to Thielaviopsis). Banrot and thiophanate methyl are among fungicides labeled for BRR. Biologicals such as Mycostop have been suggested by some but check the label first before purchasing or using. We generally think of Armillaria species of mushrooms as undesirable as many are plant pathogens, but some species of Armillaria form a mycorrhizal association with orchids, in this case a very rare orchid discovered at Longwood Gardens. longwoodgardens.org/blog/2019-01-07/phantasm-forest Phantasm of the Forest | Longwood Gardens longwoodgardens.org
