I recently snapped these photos of my Rhododendron 'Ebony Pearl' and Cornus sanguinea 'Compressa'—they looked so good in the evening light.
I planned to post them on Instagram, but hadn't gotten around to it. Sadly these were to be among the last photos I'd ever take of this combination, because just a few days later I removed the cornus.
We were leaving to go to lunch and I went out check something in the garden, glancing at them as I walked by.
That's when I saw the masses of white showing on the undersides of the cornus leaves.
It was horrid.
Cottony cushion scale, I believe.
I'd been keeping an eye out for this hideous creature to return, the same plant had suffered a very light infestation a few years ago. Back then I picked the bad leaves, cut a few stems, and sprayed. This time it seemed to appear over night, and was far worse. I cut everything back, bagged the cuttings, and put them in the garbage, not the yard waste container.
When we returned home that afternoon I dug out the roots of the plant and in it's place put the annual Ipomoea × multifida I'd bought while
up in Spokane. It's not a long term planting, but will fill the void for now and since we plan to paint the back of the house this year that's probably best.
Those bright cheery flowers have ALMOST made me forget the creepy cushiony scale, almost.
To receive danger garden posts by email, subscribe here.
All material © 2009-2023 by Loree L Bohl. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.
UGH! I'm sure your stomach lurched when you saw it! Side note, what color are you painting back there?
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly the reaction I had! We're painting the same brown, just a fresh coat.
DeleteUgh, I hate scale. Nasty and almost impossible to eliminate one they infest something. I didn't realize they were attracted to Cornus Compressa though. I have a very small one I got from Joy Creek when they were closing. Now I know I'll need to keep a closer eye on it. So, Thanks for the heads-up!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. I think a lot of people grow this plant with no issues at all, hopefully you're one of them.
DeleteOMG! I have that plant. I will go check it ASAP. Always good to have room behind the plants to be able to paint.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed yours is fine. A nursery owner I know mentioned they don't offer this plant becasue of its susceptibility to this and other issues.
DeletePretty gross. I've never encountered that one (and my fingers are crossed I never will) but your experience reminds me of mine with giant white flies and webworms. I did exactly what you just did in those instances.
ReplyDeleteI loved that plant and hated to see it go, but gross. No. Just not worth it.
DeleteSad news. I will have to go check mine too. Pretty sure it’s okay as I’ve had at least 10 years and never saw anything like that during cleanup. I’ve got a couple extra plants I potted up earlier this year that I was going to bring to a plant swap if you want one and aren’t too scarred by the experience.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the offer, but I think I will pass, also I hope your plant remains pest free!
Delete