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What is going on with my foxglove?

JanicemarchJanicemarch Posts: 16
in Problem solving
I have loads of ants and possibly black bugs on my foxglove alba. They don't seem to bother with my other foxglove (pink but not sure if it's name).  What is going on and do I need to do anything?
I'm not able to rotate the image sorry, its upright on my phone!

Posts

  • debs64debs64 Posts: 5,184
    That’s a heavy aphid infestation I would try blasting the bugs off with a hose and hoping for ladybirds 🐞 
    The ants are “farming “ the aphids and dislike water so water really well frequently that may help a little. 
    Good luck! 
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    I think you have an infestation of black aphids and the ants are probably milking them for  food.  Ladybirds and bluetits will eat them if you leave them alone. Alternately give them a blast with a hose pipe to knock them off.

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Ants indicate that the soil is very dry.  Try some generous watering and you can also mix a small bottle of essential oil of cloves into 5 litres of water - once the soil is soaked - and the ants will move on as they hate the smell.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • JAC51JAC51 Posts: 175
     That’s a really great tip @obelixx I’m always getting ants in my pots.  Now just got to find out where I can get my hands on a small bottle of essential oil of cloves 🤔
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Try putting a saucer under your pots in summer so they keep moist more easily.

    Any pharmacy or health store will have essential oils.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
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