Shop Products
Houzz Logo Print
charlie_in_ct

tree peony insect pests

charlie_in_ct
15 years ago

I'm having a problem with an insect that bores into the soft center part of the stem of tree peonies, causing the stems to weaken and eventually die. I first noticed the problem when the wind snapped a stem of the tree peony Infanta. I didn't think it was due to insects, because I had always read that insects weren't a real problem with tree peonies. But last spring, when I was pruning I noticed what looked like black ants with wings that had burrowed quite far down into the stem. There were also what looked like a larval or egg stage of development there as well when I split the stem open that I had pruned off.

Any ideas anyone? Would you simply prune out any stems with the telltale hole in the center, which seems to be the entrance point for the insect? Should I try something else? I hate to have to prune plants back like that. Thanks for your help. Charlie

Comments (2)

Sponsored
Preferred General Contracting, Inc.
Average rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars9 Reviews
Fairfax County's Specialized, Comprehensive Renovations Firm