I managed to keep on top of mine for about 4 yrs by picking the caterpillars off individually, but they seemed to move deeper into the shrub and this yr I really could not save it. 😕 I've left the framework of branches and ivy is gradually covering it, so I still have a hedge effect.
I passed a garden today with a box hedge about 15m long and 2m high. It was utterly denuded of greenery. Very sad to see a plant so destroyed.
Xentari does work, it is best to spray three times per year to eradicate all life cycles. It's a bacteria. Gives the caterpillars a poorly tummy and they die!
"What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour".
Xentari does work, it is best to spray three times per year to eradicate all life cycles. It's a bacteria. Gives the caterpillars a poorly tummy and they die!
@nutcutlet , I'm not 100% sure of that - that is the theory - although to be frank I've never actually seen any other caterpillars on my (soon to be ex ) box. I can certainly confirm it does not harm box suckers who seem to survive it just fine. I think the pheromone lure ( for adult male moths ) is specific to the box moth though ( on the basis the one year i used it that's all that ended up in there ) The nemasys ( fruit & veg I think) is also supposed to control box caterpillar but Ive never used it as seems more generic.
I only had two box plants and meticulously picked off all the caterpillars, later went away for 2 weeks and upon return they were in a bad state again. Imho it’s not worth the effort as they don’t even flower or provide fruits so I’ve dugout the roots and replanted with something easier and more interesting ….
Posts
In the sticks near Peterborough
I passed a garden today with a box hedge about 15m long and 2m high. It was utterly denuded of greenery. Very sad to see a plant so destroyed.
In the sticks near Peterborough
The nemasys ( fruit & veg I think) is also supposed to control box caterpillar but Ive never used it as seems more generic.
away for 2 weeks and upon return they were in a bad state again. Imho it’s not worth the effort as they don’t even flower or provide fruits so I’ve dugout the roots and replanted with something easier and more interesting ….