shocking surprise in my bud

17 years ago

As the peony buds have been swelling...and some even opening (!!!), I noticed the strangest thing the past couple of rainy days around the largest bud on my Vivid Rose plant.

There were these tiny, beadlike things (I don't even know what to call them) that were in a string formation - creamy white and soft pink - on the leaves below the biggest bud. I wiped them away several times, scratching my head. Never seen anything like it.

This morning, I moved aside one of the outside petals on this bud and found a big green catepillar eating the bud hidden under the petal!!! I removed that so fast and squished it to death. It took quite a hunk out of the bud, but most of it is intact.

Would it be ok to let the bud open (if it even will), or should I cut it off? I now suspect the soft pink "beads" were catepillar poops.

Has anyone experienced this before? I was totally shocked!

Judye

Comments (6)

hipchick
17 years ago
I am sorry to say this happened to me just yesterday :(
Unfortunately, he got the whole bud eaten except the outermost layer of petals before I found him
patwood
17 years ago
Heck, let it open. The worst that could happen is parts of the flower are missing.
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judyefd
Original Author
17 years ago
Lots of caterpillar problems this year...even on my ferns. Glad I'm not alone in this...though sorry you're having the same problem. :(

The bud is just starting to open. It will look a bit funky, but it will be beautiful!

Enough rain already here in the Northeast!!
little_rhody
17 years ago
Hi all,

I noticed some small catapillers on the buds weeks ago and did not think much of it. Now the peonies are blooming and they are not nearly as beautiful as they were last year. The buds are smaller and fewer. I 've also noticed that some of my peonies (both in MA and RI) have some blooms that appear to show some signs of disease. I'm not sure if it is the fact that we did not have a very cold winter, or disease , or maybe it is catapillers.

Carolyn
hipchick
17 years ago
I just posted about that little rhody - many of my plants do not have a single bud, and all have fewer and smaller. They are my favorites, and I was so excited to see all my new ones bloom this year.
I don't know what is causing it either, maybe it has to do with the variety too. My neighbor has some that look like "festiva maxima" and they are already blooming and loaded. I haven't had a single bloom open yet.

I am sorry to hear that others are having the same problem, but a little happy to hear that it maybe isn't a problem with my plants
irisheyesaresmilin
17 years ago
This is the third year for my Peonies and WOW what a show ........ all is fine in NW RI .........I will post some photos so we can make up for your loss...... think of it this way- next year, my peonies may be small and yours will be HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!!