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Euonymus scale insect

B3B3 Posts: 27,505
My euonymus is infested with male scale insects. Is there any point in trying to hose them off?
In London. Keen but lazy.
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Posts

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I doubt it but you could try.
    The scales are quite well-attached to the plant.
    I either cut out badly infested bits or usually just leave it.
    Mine are usually smothered in them at this time of year, but this year there are very few and for the first time I can recall the shrub is smothered in flowers.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    I haven't really looked for scales -  apparently they're female. All I've noticed so far are the tiny white jobs which are the males.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @B3 I have seen them completly defoliate Euonymous. On the positive they do recover.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    Oh well. Not my favourite plant ( one of the yellow ones)  and it's in a prominent position. If that happens, it'll have to go.
    I have a nice white and green one covering a fence panel in the back garden. I hope that doesn't get it . Apparently some varieties are more susceptible than others. @GardenerSuze
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @B3There is a hedge of E Emerald and Gold in a local church yard. Could be as many as fifty plants. A few years ago six in a row were attacked plus an odd one here and there. Other parts of the hedge weren't affected. Earlier this year you wouldn't have thought there was anything wrong, full recovery.
    I saw a large specimen of E Emerald and Gold at a local GC it had been cloud pruned and looked really good.  I am tempted to have a go but will see.
    I wonder if it is E Emerald and Gold that is more susceptible?
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    RHS reckons Japonica and some other yellow one I can't remember the name of. I would like my fence one to be closer to the fence but I'm afraid that I'll do damage.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    In years gone by I've hacked mine back quite harshly and as @GardenerSuze says they recover quickly and look a lot fresher and healthier than they did before.


    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    I'm a very nervous pruner🙄
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Maybe a G&T first to steady your nerves? 😁

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    Not too large. I sharpened my secateurs today.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
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