Clianthus Puniceus - Lobster Claw / Parrots Beak

Dave Humby

Not surprisingly our mature Clianthus wasn't keen on the winter weather but it is making a recovery and plenty of new growth. It is however still looking rather sparse in terms of foliage although it put on a good show of flowers. The one thing I have however noticed and not noticed before is that it is absolutely covered in Greenfly. It's not something I would normally worry about or take action as I let nature take it's course to a degree but with the plant still in recovery mode is it likely this infestation is holding it's recovery back?

Should I spray or leave as is?

Thanks 

Dave Humby

Just bumping this in case any of you knowledgeable folk might have some thoughts as how to proceed?

Borderline

The greenfly may just be due the really warm weather recently, and your shrub has put on a lot of growth in a short time. If it's manageable, just set your hose to jet setting and blast the worst affected areas. If your shrub is delicate, you could just wipe the areas worst affected with a damp sponge or similar. Obviously, not ideal if your shrub is very tall and large. If you want to rejuvenate it, you can prune it back after flowering, shorten the branches back.

Dave Humby

Thanks Borderline. I don't think the plant would take too kindly to a water jetting and same goes for the sponge option. I'll either leave or get some spray I think.

I have pruned it in the past and generally OK but occasionally it seems to induce some kind of 'die-back' on the branch in question. I'll do some reading on that in case there's something I need to do / avoid.