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Do I have lupin aphids?

WildFlower_UKWildFlower_UK Cambridgeshire, UKPosts: 215
in Problem solving
So I planted this lupin about a week ago and it seems to have already been attacked. I presume these are aphids? They're mainly on the flower but some have also found a home in the leaves. Should I just cut the whole plant back to soil level? I bought it in flower so not sure it would grow back this summer? Are they a risk to other surrounding plants? 

Posts

  • hilary Stait 467hilary Stait 467 Posts: 10
    It certainly looks like it. You could spray them with bug spray or soapy water or you could squash them between your fingers. I had a couple of years where I had them on all my lupins and no matter what I did they just came back. I thin they were breeding in the soil. This year Im starting again with totally new plants and compost, I hope yours recover and mine stay aphid free.
  • FairygirlFairygirl west central ScotlandPosts: 47,194
    Just remove that flower stem. If you get more aphids, just give them a jet of water to remove them, or wipe off with your hand. You'll get more stems anyway.
    They can be a nuisance - especially with the soft new growth. Getting on top of them just now will help though. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....


  • WildFlower_UKWildFlower_UK Cambridgeshire, UKPosts: 215
    Thanks both! I think I'll just cut the thing off as I'm worried about the aphids outstaying their welcome. If they persist, then I might just remove the whole plant! I only have one lupin and don't want it to cause more problems than necessary! 
  • JennyJJennyJ DoncasterPosts: 6,629
    The good news is they are specific to lupins.
  • DaffydillyDaffydilly North LancashirePosts: 78
    They are American aphids and love lupins.. I drench mine every week or so from start of infection with this:  Peel garlic cloves and boil until soft, about an hour should do it, then strain through muslin and bottle when cool.   Will keep in fridge for months.  To use:  Add 10 ml to a full can of water 4 ltr and drench.   They drop off immediately and no harm to plants. 
    Here, there and everywhere
  • WildFlower_UKWildFlower_UK Cambridgeshire, UKPosts: 215
    Oh no I lopped the flower head off! Thanks for the de-aphid recipe, will give it a go in the future if (when!) they come back! 
  • DaffydillyDaffydilly North LancashirePosts: 78
    They`ll be back!  As soon as fresh new growth appears they will chomp happily, they have found you now :D  If I were you I would use recipe asap....now is the best time and do it in the evening ;)
    Here, there and everywhere
  • FairygirlFairygirl west central ScotlandPosts: 47,194
    Yes - but the flowerhead was finished!
    That's what you would do anyway. It will grow more. They thrive on being deadheaded  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....


  • WildFlower_UKWildFlower_UK Cambridgeshire, UKPosts: 215
    Cheers both! Glad to hear the deadheading will encourage new growth. And when the aphids reappear, bring it on! I'll have the garlic mix ready  >:)
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