BC Living
Gut Healthy Recipes
Roast Chicken – From Scratch
You’ve Gotta Try this in October 2024
Exploring the Benefits of Cold Therapy
Back to Reality: Mental Health Tips For Managing Stress as an Entrepreneur
Balancing Work and Wellness: Tips from Successful BC Entrepreneurs
Inviting the Steller’s Jay to Your Garden
6 Budget-friendly Holiday Decor Pieces
Dream Home: $8 Million for a Modern Surprise
Great Bear Rainforest
Local Getaway: Hideaway at a Mystical Earth House in Kootenay
Unlock the Magic of Fall in Osoyoos: Here’s Why It’s a Must-Visit
Local Wellness Events Happening in October
B.C. Adventures: Our Picks for October
BC’s Most Innovative Startups
Fall Fashion Trends
Top 5 Books You’ll Want to Cozy up to This Fall
Article is open in Vancouver with a gorgeous new store you didn’t know you were craving
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.
