Garden

Aphids after my ‘Purple Emperor’

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Credit: anemoneprojec

GWO-ATP-Aphids-1.jpg

Q: I have two sedums in close proximity: one is called ‘Autumn Joy’, the other is called ‘Purple Emperor’. Only the ‘Purple Emperor’ has aphids. What can I do to get rid of them?

The aphid-ridden one is the newest, having just been planted this season. I thought they were tough plants.

Do I need to do anything to prepare for spring/summer and the possibility of aphids again?

I live in Merritt, B.C.

Aphids can be easily managed by checking plants regularly – at least twice a week – when they’re actively growing. A good stream of water from a hose will usually wash away the aphids. Check that you have ideal growing conditions for the sedums (i.e.) avoid excessive fertilizing; provide good sunlight and deep but infrequent watering to avoid stressing plants. Weak or stressed plants can be susceptible to problems. Consider growing other varieties of flowers to conserve and enhance beneficial insects, e.g. “Sweet Alyssum” (Lobularia maritima), “Cinquefoil” (Potentilla cv.) or “Yarrow” (Achillea cv.) etc.