About Edward Gulliksen Expertise I can help to diagnose any Tree and Shrub related problem, whether it be a disease or insect infestation.
Experience I am an ISA Certified Arborist, Consulting Arborist and a licensed NYS Pesticide Applicator.
Organizations I am Vice President of the Professional Certified Applicators of Long Island as well as a member of the New York State Arboricultural Association and the Long Island Arboricultural Association.
Publications I write for Long Island.com as the Horticultural Expert.
I have two wonderful Gardenia Trees in my back yard. They are Gardenia 'Veitchi' that I have had three years. They are in very large pots on a drip system and get a bumper crop of blooms every year.
My question is in the spring I get large amounts of blooms and then as the spring goes into summer and fall many of the blooms become deformed. I mean really deformed, they look really twisted and unusual. I am pretty sure I only get this issue in the summer and fall and never in our winter or spring. I live in San Diego and I know I have thrips in the yard. I use systemic pesticides, but I dont think I can completey get rid of the thrips in my warm climate. The plants are on a drip system and get watered daily. I have very few yellow leaves, and I fertilize once a month with fertilizer specifically for Acic loving plants.
The blooms sometime open, but really look raged. I apprecaite any help you can offer.
Thanks in advance.
Bob
Answer Bob,
Thrips would explain the deformities in the flower buds. You will need to spray the plants with a specialized insecticide aimed at the thrips. Your local garden center should carry it. Follow all label directions for the mixing and applying of the materials.
