When do rockery plants stop thriving?
When the rockery plants are healthy they will be less prone to disease and pest attacks. You can ensure that the rockery plants are healthy by growing them in suitable positions i.e. Those positions that fit there basic requirements to prevent weakening the plant.
The following factors encourage pests and disease infestations:
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unsuitable soil
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insufficient nutrients or water
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unfavorable weather conditions ( excessive heat or dryness)
Diseases
Fungal diseases such as mildew are very common in rockery plants. The plants develop a white, flour like film on the leaves and shoot tips. You can get rid of mildew by applying natural sprays such as mares tail brew or knotweed extract. Spray mares tail in sunny weather to increase its effectiveness. If there is a serious infestation, then you will need to use fungicides.
Pests
Aphids, turnip flies, miridae , snails and slugs are the common enemies of rockery plants. Green or black aphids are noticed in large quantities on fresh shoots and leaf tips. Plants that are attacked by aphids curl up and wither. Aphids produce a sticky juice that attracts ants, wasps and bees, which will help in transmitting viral diseases.
Aphids can be removed by hand or by spraying them with a vigorous stream of water. You can also spray with a soft soap solution as this does not kill the useful insects.
Turnip flies
They are small, green, shiny insects that jump when touched by hand. Turnip flies bite holes in the leaves and damage the flower buds- causing them not to open the correct way. Turnip flies love dry soil so one way of getting rid of them is through mulching. Use tansy tea or brew as a preventive spary.
Miridae
They are between 5-10mm long and cause leaves to wither. They are greenish insects which release a terrible smell when touched. Symptoms of miridae attacks include crippled shoot tips and leaves. Miridae can be picked off by hand.
Slugs and snails
Slugs and snails can be a serious nuisance, as they eat the flowers, leaves and stalk of the plants. Slugs and snails are also very cunning little creatures as they only come out and feed under the cover of darkness.
Slugs and snails can be removed by hand at night using flash lights or a torch. You can also add a stream of sawdust around sensitive plants. You can also use beer traps to attract the slugs to their doom.