RE: Myrtus

Hi John,

Well darn...I need a low, evergreen, preferably low maintenance hedge plant
which is susceptible to neither Phytophthora nor Thrips, and looks good 365
days
a year (I know...but I can dream can't I?). The above named pests are my
biggest
headaches here.

____________________Reply Separator____________________
Subject:    Re: Myrtus
Author: "John MacGregor" <SMTP:jonivy@earthlink.net>
Date:       1/15/03 12:08 AM

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
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index