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Wisteria woe

Denise105Denise105 Posts: 6
in Problem solving
I have a 25 year old wisteria which has flowered beautifully for many years and this year has been the best ever. However, I have just discovered brown coloured ‘limpet’ like nodules attached to some of the branches. If I scrape them they just fall off. I can find no information as to what this problem may be and would welcome any assistance or views. Thank you. 

Posts

  • Blue OnionBlue Onion Posts: 2,995
    Could you please post an image for us to see?  Click on the mountain icon in the reply box. 
    Utah, USA.
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,384
    Sounds like Wisteria scale:
    Continue to rub them off or use a stiff brush and some water.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • Denise105Denise105 Posts: 6
  • Denise105Denise105 Posts: 6
    As requested, photos of the infestation on my tree. 
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Yes they're scale insects. See the advice in the link in Bobs post. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Denise105Denise105 Posts: 6
    Thanks all for your comments. Looks like I have a job on my hands! 
  • Denise105Denise105 Posts: 6
    I’ve looked more closely at the branches and most of them are heavily infested with this scale. I don’t think it’s possible to remove it all as Bob suggested.  A fine powder wafts down when I remove what scale I can and drifts into the air which I’m not happy about. 

    Do do you think the only alternative is to chop the tree down... or is this a bit too drastic?!  Any help gratefully received. 
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    OOoh no ... not if it's a healthy and beautiful wisteria.

    I would remove what you can, and do what you can to ensure the plant remains as healthy as possible so it's strong enough to withstand the sap-sucking scale insects. 

    Good luck.  :)

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Denise105Denise105 Posts: 6
    Thank you Dovefromabove!
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