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Are these young leatherjackets?

BouncingBackBouncingBack Posts: 142
in Problem solving


Went to pull out some dead stems, leaves and old flowers from my heucheras and the whole plant just lifted straight out revealing these grubs having destroyed the roots. Three of my four lovely plants are gone! I was planning on buying nematodes to treat the lawn - can I apply them to these raised beds too, and will they control whatever these things are too (assuming they aren't leatherjackets but the grub of another insect)?

Posts

  • EustaceEustace Posts: 2,290
    They are vine weevils.
    Oxford. The City of Dreaming Spires.
    And then my heart with pleasure fills,
    And dances with the daffodils (roses). Taking a bit of liberty with Wordsworth :)

  • BouncingBackBouncingBack Posts: 142
    Will nematodes work?
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Vine weevil grubs are always worse in pots or contained areas, but you can wash the soil off and chuck the grubs out for the birds. Re plant - pots might be better for a while,  and they should recover, or you can divide them, or pull bits off, to grow on and give you back up plants. They're among the easiest plants to propagate.  :)
    I've never used the nematodes because you need the right conditions for applying them, as it needs to be warm enough at  the right time of year etc. Might work better in containers though.
    It also might be a different nematode for those compared to your lawn too, so check before buying, and you may need to re apply a few times.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LiriodendronLiriodendron Posts: 8,328
    Unfortunately, vine weevils find heucheras particularly tasty...
    Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
  • BouncingBackBouncingBack Posts: 142
    Oh no! The plants are now in the green bin! The raised beds are functionally very much like containers as they're slim (ish) and long. The plant further down from where the heucheras were removed from (can't remember its name) is yellowing and losing leaves despite being an evergreen, which probably indicates the grubs have got to it. Need some form of control asap!
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    I don't know whether Provado is still sold here but it does help.  However, you will need to ensure that you remove any flowers from your Heucheras for at least 6 weeks after treating your plants as the substance is toxic to bees and other insects.
    The best method of control with Heucheras is a heavy layer of sharp grit on the surface as this makes it more difficult for the weevils to lay their eggs.
    As @Fairygirl says, if a plant has been affected, you don't always need to dump it - make sure you investigate the roots thoroughly ( the grubs can be quite tiny ) and use them for new plants.

  • BouncingBackBouncingBack Posts: 142
    I've been monitoring the soil temperature and upcoming weather, and applied nematodes today. Have transplanted the remaining heuchera that wasn't dying but just came straight out when I gently pulled it. Removed all visible weevils and planted it in fresh soil. Also planted a couple of new heucheras and ferns a bit further down in the shade. Hopefully the nematodes get to work asap
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    Unfortunately they're just something you have to deal with, a bit like slugs. I'm going to apply nematodes this week, a bit late, but soil temperatures are still above 5 degrees.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yes - nematodes need the right temps to be effective, so timing is important or it's wasted time and money.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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