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Problem with Magnolia

Carol McCarol Mc Posts: 16
in Problem solving

 I have a small Magnolia tree which I have been nursing since it was just a wee stick!  It is now about six years old and flowered this year for very first time.  I was so proud of my two lovely blooms.  However something has taken quiet a liking to my little tree and is just eating away at the leaves - I mean taking great big chucks out of them.  I thought it might be earwigs and have tried the upturned pot with straw - caught nothing.  I cannot see any larvae of any kind on the leaves and am at a loss to know what is eating my little tree.  Has anyone had any similar problems.  I would appreciate any help. 

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  • sotongeoffsotongeoff Posts: 9,802

    Could be adult vine weevil they are pretty active at the moment-does the damage look anything like this?

    http://www.btinternet.com/~micka.wffps/weevil.jpg

     

  • Carol McCarol Mc Posts: 16

    Looks exactly like that.  Some leaves are totally eaten away.  My poor little tree looks miserable. Any suggestions on how to deal with them.

  • sotongeoffsotongeoff Posts: 9,802

    The grubs do more damage -especially if container grown-have a read of this from the rhs

    http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?pid=234

     

  • Carol McCarol Mc Posts: 16

    Thank you for that.  What awful little pests.  My magnolia is in a large tub.  Will do battle and see what happns.  Once again - thank you for your help.

  • sotongeoffsotongeoff Posts: 9,802

    Provado vine weevil killer gets a lot of recommendations

    http://www.gardendirect.co.uk/garden-care/pest-weed-control/pesticides/vine-weevil-killer-2-provado

     

  • Alina WAlina W Posts: 1,445

    I will second the suggestion of Provado - it works well.

    I'm not sure if it's active against the beetles, but the way to control those is to go out at night with a torch and pick them off.= - they can't fly.

    If you do have so many attacking your tree, you will certainly have them laying eggs in your magnolia pot, so I would water it well with Provado as soon as it's dry enough to avoid losing it.

  • Carol McCarol Mc Posts: 16

    Will order Provado now and get treating as soon as possible.  Would hate to loose my wee magnolia now having waited so long for it to bloom.  Thank you again.

  • iain campbelliain campbell Posts: 32

    leaves almost stripped bare ,the older leaves are like lace,cannot see any activity,have just trimmed all the damaged leaves off,and cut back the damaged stems,and drenched with provado bug killer--heres hoping--by the way the neighbours next door remains completly untouched!!

  • Invicta2Invicta2 Posts: 663

    Any signs of slime trails? Snails love magnolia and will climg quite high to eat the leaves. They also usually leave the leaf ribs on older leaves.

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 83,765

    I'd go with snails - especially at this time of year for some reason image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





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