Pros/Cons: Defoliate thrip-infested old Rhodie?

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karenM Fairfax, CA(Zone 9a) May 04, 2002

I have a tall, rangy, old rhodie which I've just learned has been thrip infested for some time [it's been sadly ignored for far too long, and now I fear its infestation will spread to my roses]. It is, nonetheless, in beautiful orchid color bloom right now. I was told to spray it with Ultra Fine hort oil ASAP to try & protect as much of the new foliage which is emerging as possible. [This choice to minimize toxicity, but will it 'do the job'?]

As I set about preparing to DO this task, however, I keep cutting off already infected leaves, figuring that there's no sense in keeping already destroyed leaves--and, that it's a waste of spray & a bigger hassle to spray with all the infested leaves on it.

What are the pros & cons of removing ALL the infested leaves, even tho the plant will be essentially naked except for some new green emerging growth? Soon as it's done blooming, I plan to cut it back to bring down the height and increase next yr's blooms & it's managability.

Feedback much appreciated.

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louisa Troy, VA(Zone 7a) May 22, 2002

Karen I think I would allow the shrub to flower and then remove the infected leaves. As you know, they provide food to the plant!! You will need to water it quite well during the summer months or it may become even more weak and prone to more insect attack. Does your shrub have enough space and air or is it growing in an crowded position with other plants?

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Calalily Deep South Coastal, TX(Zone 10a) May 22, 2002

Don't the old leaves fall soon after flowering when the new ones come out? Or will the trunks stay bare if she cuts them all off?

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Kelly333 Longview, TX Jun 07, 2002

cant you leave the leaves on, and just spray it?

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Calalily Deep South Coastal, TX(Zone 10a) Jun 07, 2002

I agree with Kelly333, if you try defoliating it , the thrips will just fly/hop to other things in the area. I would use one of those lawn sprayer hose attachment thingies(Like you use with Miracle Grow) and spray it that way.

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karenM Fairfax, CA(Zone 9a) Jun 10, 2002

Hi, you dear folk.

I've been all wrapped up in various other crises--garden & personal--& just checked back with this thread. Since spraying, the leaves are looking much better, tho some still have them.

It's on regular daily auto watering now, & I plan to mulch it w/coarse mulch when I prune it back. No, the leaves didn't fall off after the bloom.

Thanks so much for your input. I've been gone from DG for too long!

Karen

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