Oleaster Limelight Infestation

[Deleted User]

RelievedSheff said:

Woolsery said:

Eleagnus tend to change their leaves at this time of year anyway. They're good shrubs, but on my light soil they can succumb to high winds and it's a rare winter when one doesn't fall over. Smaller plants kept trimmed like those in the pics will probably be OK in this respect.

Funnily enough we did have an end one fall over this winter. We assumed someone had reversed into it as its the end one by the drive.

It's upright again now with a stake to support it.

If i was nearer you i would come and look at the planting depth, if someone didn't damage the plant it could be planted too shallowly - new builds' gardens aren't always the best laid and you could have the plants sitting in soil that's a) poor or b) not a deep enough topsoil covering ...... it will result in poor root growth, they're not anchored well enough, not stable enough and the plants leaf drop can be a result again.

RelievedSheff

[Deleted User] said:

I have my shrubs in a barked area too, never had issues with that, ever.

I would think your plants are being affected by weather (winds, rain, sun) or in a too dry or too damp environment - and would be inclined to just leave them be for now.

The 2 latter points i mentioned result in leaf drop - if the soil's regularly damp/wet or drying out will always do it - to many plants.

If you're on clay soil aerate it and break it up - plants don't like damp feet over winter nor baked feet in the drier seasons.
If you're on thin poor soil bulk it up.

We are on sand soil which is well draining. They are not overly exposed and not in an overly windy area.

They are in a South facing position so are in the sun all day, when it comes out.

We don't as a rule water them now they are established so they do dry out during long dry spells. That hasn't bothered them for the last couple of years and isn't bothering the other oleasters on the estate.

I do believe it is the insects causing the problem rather than environmental factors.

Ours and our neighbours are the only two Oleaster Limelight hedges which have both been infested. The other Oleaster type hedges seem to be unaffected by the insects and appear healthy with very little leaf drop.

RelievedSheff

Just been out washing the cars and we have noticed a large number of lady bird larvae on the hedge so we won't be using any chemicals on the hedge.

Will see if mother nature can come to the rescue instead I think.

[Deleted User]

Excellent outcome.
You might also see the various Tit family coming to them, they visit my Hibiscus and Roses for the aphids !

RelievedSheff

Unfortunately they are Harlequin ladybirds. So bad news for our native ladybirds.

They do seem to be doing their job though. There are visibly less insects on the hedge. We no longer get covered in them by standing near the hedge.

Not seen any tits on the hedge yet but there are a pair of blackbirds rooting around in the bark chippings and making a mess with them!

RAS

I really would remove and incinerate those bark chipping. Most wrigglies about which I know either pupate in the rolled up leaves which you can pick off, or drop down into the litter at the bottom of the bush, pupate there and then pop up for another generation just as the bush recovers, long enough to repeat the cycle. 

Your aesthetic is fuelling the infestation.

mista_t

@RelievedSheff I am experiencing the same. Did you manage to resolve your issue and save your plants? Ive spent days looking for answers and finally found a thread that matches what I am experiencing. Please help !