Re: Aphids and peonies
- To: perennials@mallorn.com
- Subject: Re: Aphids and peonies
- From: E*@aol.com
- Date: Mon, 24 Apr 2000 11:05:59 EDT
In a message dated 4/23/00 9:03:27 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
myork@asheboro.com writes:
<< What is a effective product to spray on azaleas for aphids? >>
At the risk of starting a chemical war on this list. I would mention
malathion. You need only spritz the growing tips or the locations of the
aphids. Once dispatched with an effective spray you hardly ever see a
reinfestation on the plant sprayed. Soaps, forceful water sprays and other
non-chemical remedies seldom finish the job. Constant treatment is needed.
Pyrethrum (here it is usually Schultz Spray) will dispatch live aphids but
there will be a new bunch in a a week or so.
Just my observation - the aphids nearly always ruin growth tips stunting new
growth or damage buds ruining the spring bloom. Aphids appear all through
the growing season on various plants. It is not necessary to use clouds of
spray, just aim at the aphid laden bud or tip growth.
There is a famous poem by Reginald Arkell entitled "Green Fly". It speaks to
aphids ruining his roses.
This reply is written by F.E. Priestland:
Now, Mr. Arkell you're a poet,
It only needs your book to show it,
And so you must not think me mean,
But you depict on page nineteen
A Greenfly (aphid) showing Sex Appeal,
While from your rose he takes his meal
And, with a further shock, I read
Something about a "bridal bed".
May I submit with all respects,
You're wrong about the greenfly's sex,
For through the summer there is none
Or else it's both rolled into one;
In fact, in language unpoetic,
They call it partheno-genetic.
It's only when the autumn comes,
That they delevelop "dads' and 'mums'
And eggs are laid, not living young,
From which the next year's brood is sprung.
I grant you license as a poet
But thought perhaps you'd like to know it.
F.E.Priestland, 1934
The original poem appears in "Green Fingers" by Reginald Arkell. It deals
with aphids and rose bushes. If anyone would like it, I can type it onto the
list.
Claire Peplowski
East Nassau, NY z4
---------------------------------------------------------------------
To sign-off this list, send email to majordomo@mallorn.com with the
message text UNSUBSCRIBE PERENNIALS
