MY bugbane started out the year extremely well. Over the last three weeks, it has developed shriveled leaves that turned brown and then the whole stem toppled over as if rotting. I removed the dying stems and treated with a fungicide. The problems are continuing. Some of the leaves look rusty. Others have black what look like mites on them. This is new? What should I do? Should I remove the whole plant?

I have grown bugbane at 2 different properties. The First property-it grew very tall and always bloomed. At my 2nd property i planted it again -here it did not do as well, very stunted -1/3 the height, and few blooms. I am thinking it was the soil, so even though this is not your exact problem, you might want to try moving it. the 1st time I had it, when it did well for years, it was in good well drained soil and got am & midday sun and only shade in the late pm. The 2nd property it was planted in wetter damper soil in the shade, but was maybe too damp and not enough organic matter in the soil.