The Ravenous Eucalyptus Beetle
	The eucalyptus has been a great addition to the landscape in North America for over 150 years. This Australian native is evergreen, very fast growing, drought tolerant and extremely hardy. Up till the mid 80’s it was absolutely pest free. Now, however, there are several pests that feast on many of the eucalyptus species with great zeal. Since this tree is not native to this country, there has never been a chance for beneficial insects to populate the area.
When new pests are introduced, there are no checks and balances to keep the pest population under control. So when foreign pests do arrive in the U.S., they have a heyday and multiply extremely rapidly. The eucalyptus tortoise beetle, first discovered in the U.S. in Riverside in 1998, has since moved through Southern California and along the coast. In its native Australia, this pest is not a problem and is found only in very small population. The tortoise beetle is a voracious nocturnal feeder that can strip a eucalyptus tree virtually overnight. The insect can be easily identified by leaf damage created. The initial infestation will show leaves with semicircles or half-moons removed from the leaves. (Do not confuse this with the damage from the leaf cutter bee, which does not feed on eucalyptus.) After the population increases, the tortoise beetle will consume all but the mid rib of the leaf leaving a characteristic wispy or lacy pattern usually toward the top of the tree. If you discover these insects in your tree, there is hope. The predators have been introduced into the U.S., but it will probably take three to four years to bring the tortoise beetle population into check. To keep this insect and others from damaging your tree, you need to keep your eucalyptus healthy. This means to provide deep water every two weeks in the summer as well as fertilizer two to three times a year. Do not use a high nitrogen fertilizer as it creates lush growth that attracts the insect. Be sure to clean up under the tree because debris provides an ideal place for the insect to hide and breed. If the population becomes large and the health of the tree becomes a question, you can use Bayer Tree & Shrub insecticide to eliminate the problem. Simply dilute the recommended amount of product in a bucket of water and pour around the base of the tree. The insecticide will absorb into the root system and in a matter of 1 to 2 weeks translocate to the top of a tree as tall as 80 feet. So don't cut down that Eucalyptus; the problem will be resolved in a few years. However if you are considering new eucalyptus planting, select resistant varieties like the Dollar eucalyptus (Eucalyptus polyanthemos) or Pink Iron Bark eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sideroxylon rosea). For additional information, let our nursery professionals provide solutions to your problems.

No More Wrestling Weeds

Weed and Grass Killer by Schultz contains glyphosphate, one of the most popular non-selective systemic weed controls available on the market. Spray for weeds and grasses in walkways, landscape borders and wherever unwanted growth is desired. This weed killer is sprayed on the leaves of the weed.  The Glypposhate is a kind of salt that move through the plant to kill the root.  This means that there is not a residual affect in your soil and you are not putting your pets at risk by using this in your yard.  This is a great product that offers the power of a chemical weed killer without the traditional safety issues.

Plant In The Spotlight : Nuccio's Pearl Camellia
Camellias fill a great niche in our California landscape. We use them in areas that don't get full sun where we want lots of color year round. This is Nuccio's Pearl. It is our featured plant this week.
A review of this flower recently said: "Spectacular, full double blooms with pure white petals edged with an orchid pink blush. Flowers make a dazzling contrast with the glossy, dark green evergreen foliage. Quite elegant in appearance! "

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