BC Living
You’ve Gotta Try This in November 2024
Thankful For BC Farmers This Thanksgiving
Gut Healthy Recipes
5 Tips to Prevent Muscle and Joint Pain When Working a Desk Job
Skincare Products for Fall
Exploring the Benefits of Cold Therapy
Inviting the Steller’s Jay to Your Garden
6 Budget-friendly Holiday Decor Pieces
Dream Home: $8 Million for a Modern Surprise
Where to Eat, Stay and Storm-Watch in Tofino
A Relaxing Getaway to the Sunshine Coast
Exploring Vancouver’s Top Wellness Spas
5 Boutique Art Galleries to Visit in BC
B.C. Adventures: Our Picks for November
Fall Movie and Book Recommendations for Cozy Nights In
21 Jolly Holiday Markets to Visit in B.C. in 2024
Elevated performance in elegant form: the next generation of Audi Canada
How to Transition Your Skincare From Summer to Fall
Q: I live in Ladysmith B.C. In spring/early summer, my dogwood tree, which is situated in an open area, facing east, begins to drop its leaves.
Upon further inspection, I noticed the underside of the leaves had small white bumps on them, and the tips of the leaves had turned black. The garden centre said it was mealy bugs, but everything I’ve read suggests this is an indoor/tropical plant problem, not one associated with dogwoods.
Any suggestions?
Yes, I would agree this could not be a mealy bug problem, but it could be “scale”. While I don’t have sufficient information to determine the type of dogwood you have, I would suggest making sure the insect is properly identified before actually treating it. You might want to bring a sample to your local garden centre or nursery for verification.
Assuming it is scale, the treatment is to physically scrape it off, using a garden hose to rinse it. Be careful not to be too rough on the plant. During the winter months, use a dormant spray (oil) and apply as directed. Make sure the spray is applied thoroughly since it works mainly by contact. Two applications may be necessary.