What is the problem with my Hardenbergia leaves?

[Angelsword]

 Hi, beginning gardener here, have had this for 6 months or so but the problem is only within the last month.

[Marina1]

Ahh, got it - thank you Eric!

[Noelle]

Hi @Marina1 

Hardenbergia or sarsaparilla creeper is quite hardy but possibly not when being trained to grow in front of a colorbond fence which can get quite hot especially over summer! It does better when allowed to climb naturally or trail over the ground in a predominantly native garden.

Eric's recommendations are probably better options for you.

[Marina1]

Thank you @Noelle. I have removed it now, and will be proceeding to plant the star jasmine thanks to all your help. When I removed the Hardenbergia I noticed that it was riddled with blue powdery mildew. As I removed it, I couldn't help the powdery mildew from flying all over the place. Would this have contaminated my soil and affect the planting of a star jasmine plant?

[Noelle]

Hi @Marina1 

It's almost impossible to prevent mildew spores from becoming airborne when removing an infected plant.

I'd suggest digging over the soil where the hardenbergia was, to a depth of about 30cm, and leaving it fallow for a few weeks before contemplating planting the star jasmine into the same patch. After turning the soil over, treating it with an appropriate fungicide like eco-fungicide, made up as instructed on the label and watered on to the garden bed, may assist in eradicating any lingering spores.

[Marina1]

thanks Noelle