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Peculiar Red Robin Shrub

DrewMcGDrewMcG Posts: 21
in Plants
Hi folks,

I have a red robin shrub planted in a trough planter in my garden.

Recently I've noticed the leaves looking odd and little green things on them.

Is this benign or should I be worried? 

Best, 

Drew 



Posts

  • HalleSHalleS Posts: 105
    Those look like aphids to me. They’re small bugs that suck the life out of the new growth. 
    They’re pretty annoying but there are a few ways to get rid of them. A strong blast of the hose to start then just smush any you see afterwards. You can also make a soapy spray to kill them. I personally would avoid pesticides because the aphids are food for a lot of other wildlife. 🙂
  • DrewMcGDrewMcG Posts: 21
    Thanks @HalleS - I'll try that. Have they ruined the new growth and should I therefore trim it? 
  • HalleSHalleS Posts: 105
    I’m not sure to be honest! I never trim anything that has been attacked by aphids. Most of my plants seem to bounce back just fine and I don’t notice the damage as it grows out. Perhaps someone else will know more.
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    You can prune the distorted leaves now. Still time for new growth to start and mature enough for the winter time. 
  • FlyDragonFlyDragon Posts: 834
    Do you get many birds in your garden?  My aphid problems disappeared when I started feeding birds, the sparrows hung around to eat the aphids too! 
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