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Fuchsia - which pest do I have?
Barbara Daniel2
Posts: 8
in Talkback
My fuchsia bush has had an abundance of flowers for the past few
years. This year whilst the growth and leaves are healthy, where the
buds would appear, there appears to be some "delicate" eating away.
no visible evidence of any pest. Is there a solution or is that the end?
0
Posts
Could be fuschia gall mite although can't be certain without a photo. You can try picking off the affected flowers but the problem will often recur. At present there doesn't appear to be a satisfactory chemical control of this pest.
Is the bush in the ground or a pot? Either way, personally, I would cut down the growth completely and then remove from the ground (or pot) and wash the roots thoroughly. Then repot in fresh compost. If in the ground, I would dig out some of the soil and replace it with fresh soil, then replant. Don't take cuttings from the affected plant because you'll transfer the problem. Keep a close eye on the plant for further damage. I don't like to give up on a plant until I've tried to rid it of its problem but in the end, you may have to. In that case, burn the plant rather than compost it.