MyMiniMonk

Bugs Eating Impatiens...?

Posted on 07/11/09, 01:16 am

Hello all =)

I have 3 impatiens planted next to my front steps, and tons more in pots along the porch. Two of the ones actually planted in the ground aren't growing at all, and something is eating just the petals off of the flowers, but not touching the leaves. I don't think it's slugs since the leaves have been left alone. I've tried an 'all-purpose' bug spray by Ortho, but it hasn't been any help.

Does anyone know what this could be that's eating my flowers? I haven't seen anything on them, and I've even gone out in the middle of the night to see if I can see anything on them.
Or, is there something I can use that should work? This Ortho stuff seems useless, and I'm very frustated.

Thanks for any advice anyone can offer =)

• Reply #1 07/12/09  4:19pm
  
  LynneC
  You don't mention what sort of light they are getting; most plants are pretty sturdy if they are in the proper conditions. If your porch area is very sunny, then the impatiens are stressed, and that would make them more susceptible to bugs. They actually prefer light sun to shade.
• Reply #2 07/31/09  5:27am
  
  kimmy2
  wondering if it could be wild life, doing it. we have had a real problemwith the rabits, squirles, and chipmonks, eating the leaves of everything this summer.
• Reply #3 08/05/09  11:23am
  
  feisty
  Most likely earwigs if its just the flowers. Try rolling up a damp newspaper and laying it next to to the plant at night. In the AM you can throw it away. I would avoid chemicals.

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