Some of my garden phlox is showing damage to the leaves that look like damage from leafcutter wasps. Those stems that are damaged turn yellow and dry up and die. Undamaged stems are fine. I've had phlox for many years with no previous problems. Anyone experience this on their phlox? My garden is bee and butterfly friendly so I'd prefer not to use a pesticide if at all possible. Thanks!
Are you near any fields? Phlox are sensitive to damages- and the leafcutter bees do a great deal of damage to ornamentals- I don't think you can seperate leafcutters from other bees nectaring. About the only other issues that face phlox are a nematode that can affect every plant eventually, or powdery mildew from overcrowding and excess water. I know of no solutions other than diversity and acceptance in this case.
PS - you might plant alfalfa for them...
This message was edited Jul 18, 2016 8:20 AM
Thanks. I was surprised they could kill portions of the plant. Do you know if they can spread disease when cutting leaves or if just the physical damage kills the plant?
Physical damage allows for entry of other things, but usually it's simply too much damage to tender parts.. supposedly they are drawn to alfalfa- any way to draw them away?
Contacted The Ohio State University Extension Office and they said the problem was Phlox Plant Bugs. I've seen them in my garden before but haven't noticed them around the phlox although they may be hiding under the leaves. Hate the thought of applying pesticide but may have to to save my phlox.
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/insects/plant-bugs/phlox-bugs.aspx
This year, one of my 4 phlox beds is infested with this nasty looking red phlox bug (Lopidea davisi) and my poor plants look pale, wasted. In fact, all of my David and Eva Cullum (8 to 10 plants each) are just big brown heads of what used to be flowers! I dumped Sevin on them. It seemed to help a little, but the bugs come back if you don't get every phlox plant nearby. This particular bed is CROWDED with all sorts of varieties of phlox. I know I need to reduce their numbers, and plant other perennials among the phlox. Also, I have decided to cut back the diseased phlox back to ground and burn the stalks and leaves, as I have read somewhere that the phlox bugs burrow/lay eggs in the stalks of the phlox plants.In fact, I read it from the Missouri Botanical webpage cited above. It gives 3 steps to manage this pest, the first of which is the organic solution:
1. Practice good sanitation. Cut back and dispose of badly infested stems and leaves. Clean up stem and leaf litter of phlox and neighboring plants in winter before early spring.
2. Scout for nymphs and treat. Apply insecticidal soap to both the upper and underside of the leaves. Use a light horticultural oil.
3. Use chemical controls if warranted. Products listed for use include pyrethrins, permethrin or acephate (orthene), a systemic.
I love my phlox and I will use chemicals if need be to save them! One last observation about the phox bug: It's a good thing I have some of the same phlox paniculata varieties planted in 3 different beds around my large yard. Those other beds are not as crowded and don't have the phlox bug infestation. Good luck!
