lynchnis (sp) problems

by Diane
(Exton, PA)

I have a maltese cross from last year and a rose campion that I planted this spring - they both have the same problem: Some of the stems are turning brown and the base of the plant is kinda mushy. Is this a desease?

Doug says it sounds like overwatering (which is a fast way to kill this plant).

They can get botrytis on lower leaves very quickly as well but if those crowns are getting mushy - then I'm for overwatering. (and subsequent invasions of fungus). You have to cure the drainage problems before you can control the fungus (no sense spraying if you're going to keep 'em wet as it won't help).