I get this on perennial plants every year, probably due to greenfly or whatever, but they always beat me to it before I can spray then early enough in the season. Phlox, perennial sunflower and Mock orange are among the plants affected. Eventually the newer growth does come through ok. But this year my seedlings of Bellis and Echinacea are also affected. Can very young plants be sprayed without harm, and at what stage is it safe to do so. Once the distortion is seen, it's too late!
I’ve never sprayed anything in my garden and I don’t seem to have many distorted leaves on perennials or anything else.
If you don’t know what’s causing the problem what would you be spraying against?
I find it’s far better to grow my plants a little ‘hard’ so the new growth isn’t too soft and lush … that way they’re not so susceptible to aphid or other attack, and they outgrow the problem if it does occur.
And by not spraying we have plenty of hoverflies, lacewings and ladybirds, as well as families of bluetits, to eat all the aphids for me.
😊
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
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Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.