Re: Myrtus
- Subject: Re: Myrtus
- From: John MacGregor j*@earthlink.net
- Date: Tue, 14 Jan 2003 22:08:58 -0800
on 1/14/03 2:54 PM, Lindsay, Deborah at Deborah.Lindsay@kaiseral.com wrote:
> I'm thinking of using Mytus communis 'Compacta' as a hedge in the sunniest,
> warmest part of the roof garden. I have a couple of concerns though that
> some of
> you might be able to help me with:
>
> 1) Is Myrtus susceptible to Phytophthera, which is taking down the current
> 42 yr old hedge of Trachelospermum jasminoides (Star Jasmine)?
> 2) If it is in full sun and happy, how susceptible might it be to thrips?
> (which are a problem on M. communis here in part-sun).
>
> Deborah Lindsay
> Oakland, Ca.
Deborah,
I don't have any experience with phytophthora on Myrtus communis
'Compacta', but the answer to your second question is: Yes, M. communits
'Compacta' is just as susceptible to greenhouse thrips as the nominate
species is. And just as difficult to cure--perhaps more so--since the
leaves are so small and dense. It is very difficult to get spray onto the
undersides of the leaves, which is where the thrips are.
And the sprays that are even partially effective are pretty toxic.
John MacGregor
South Pasadena, CA 91030
USDA zone 9 Sunset zones 21/23
