While not entirely new to Hampton Roads, Crape Myrtle Bark Scale (CMBS) is gaining attention. Crape Myrtles make up about 20% of all street trees in Virginia Beach, and 50% of those in Norfolk. Together, these two cities have nearly 200,000 crape myrtles, not counting those in private landscapes.
While CMBS is not fatal to the trees it infests, it does cause unsightly aesthetic damage. Scale are sucking insects which feed on the fluids of plants. CMBS excretes honeydew, a sticky, sugary substance that facilitates the growth of sooty mold, turning branches and trunks black. Honeydew may also cover nearby plants, sidewalks, vehicles, or other objects below the canopy of the tree.
Two beneficial insects feed on the scale - green lacewings and the twice-stabbed lady beetle. Other controls are currently being studied by Dr. Peter Schultz, extension entomologist with Virginia Tech. For more information concerning CMBS, Mary Reid Barrow recently covered this topic here. See photos below to help identify CMBS and the beneficials. The ideal time to spot an infestation is in winter and early spring when the bark is visible.
VBMG launched our new website last week. The updated design features archived links to newsletters, easy access to upcoming events, and quick links to gardening info.
If you are looking for seeds to start your spring garden, the VBMG Seed Library offers free seeds each month, along with planting and care instructions. The Seed Library is located at the Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library, Virginia Beach Blvd. The Seed Library is open anytime the Central Library is open.
Happy Gardening!
Have gardening questions? Help is available year round through the Master Gardener Help Desk by calling 757-385-8156 or email your question to vbmghelp@vbgov.com. |
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Blackened bark from sooty mold; CMBS infestation of scale; twice-stabbed lady beetle. Photo credits: Jim Robbins, Univ. of Ark., CES, & Tom Murray, Bugwood.org. |
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Arborvitae Beautyberry Bayberry Boxwood Butterfly Bush Camellia, sasanqua Chastetree Cherrylaurel Clethra Crape Myrtle Red Twig Dogwood Juniper Rose Rose of Sharon Yew Hydrangea (summer blooming) |
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Dahlia tubers Thyme Oregano Chives Parsley Turnips Asparagus Beets Broccoli* Brussel sprouts* Cabbage* Carrots Cauliflower* Swiss chard Collards Leeks Lettuce Mustard Onion Sets Peas Potatoes Radish Spinach
* - transplants only |
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- Look for pests or damage on branches and bark exposed after leaves have fallen
- Use warm days to catch up on general garden chores left over from fall and winter
- Divide perennials while still dormant
- Cut back dead top growth of perennials as new growth begins to emerge
- Apply pre-emergent on warm season grass lawns
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Common Name: Mayapple Scientific Name: Podophyllum peltatum Bloom Time: spring Color: white/pink Size: 8in - 1.5ft Zone: 3-8 Native range: Eastern North America Growing Conditions: part to full shade
Photo credit: David Cappaert, Bugwood.org |
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Common Name: Green Lacewing Scientific Name: Chrysoperla Time of Year Active: summer/fall Where to See Them: Trees & herbaceous plants, often in the evenings. Benefits: Lacewing larvae are predators, especially for aphids and scale insects that excrete honeydew.
Photo credit: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org
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For more information about pre-emergent weed control, including organic options, listen to this podcast from Virginia Cooperative Extension. |
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Mar 10 - Rain Barrel Workshop All rain barrel workshops are held at the Virginia Beach Farmer’s Market, 3640 Dam Neck Rd., 9 - 10am. Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library. 2pm. Free & open to the public. Part of the Seed Library Education program.
Mar 24 - Workshop: Irrigation for Your Home Garden Learn to plan, assemble, install, and operate your own home garden irrigation system. Presented by Joey Elliott, VCE Virginia Beach Master Gardener. Virginia Beach Farmer's Market Kitchen Garden, 3640 Dam Neck Rd. 10 - 11:30 am. Free, but registration is required. Register at irrigate1.eventbrite.com
Mar 26 - Gardening Talk - Perennially Yours: Harness the Power of Perennial Plants for Your Garden Whether your garden is in sun or shade, wet or dry, perennials can provide color & texture all through the year, and in time, yield extra plants to share. Learn which perennials are reliable in our area. Presented by Liz Maurer, VCE Virginia Beach Master Gardener. Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library, 7-8pm. Free & open to the public.
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Apr 30 - Gardening Talk - Straw Bale Gardening
May 5 & 6 - Spring Plant Sale
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The FHC Bulletin Board
