Pest identification
What's eating my blue blossom?
Scale insects (cottony cushion scale, brown soft scale)
Signs: White or brown waxy bumps on stems and leaf undersides; yellowing foliage; sticky honeydew
Control: Apply horticultural oil in late winter; use systemic insecticide for heavy infestations; introduce vedalia beetles where practical
Aphids
Signs: Distorted new shoots; sticky, shiny leaf surfaces; sooty mold secondary infection
Control: Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; encourage predatory insects
Caterpillars
Signs: Notched or skeletonized leaves, especially on young plants in spring
Control: Hand-pick; apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) for larger populations
Keep blue blossom pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Blue blossom pests — FAQ
What is eating my blue blossom?
Blue blossom Ceanothus is vulnerable to scale insects and aphids on its dense stems. Root rot from waterlogging is the bigger killer, but above ground, cottony cushion scale and softwood aphids cause the most visible damage. Caterpillars and leafhoppers are occasional visitors on this West Coast native.
How do I get rid of scale insects (cottony cushion scale, brown soft scale) on blue blossom?
White or brown waxy bumps on stems and leaf undersides; yellowing foliage; sticky honeydew Apply horticultural oil in late winter; use systemic insecticide for heavy infestations; introduce vedalia beetles where practical
How do I get rid of aphids on blue blossom?
Distorted new shoots; sticky, shiny leaf surfaces; sooty mold secondary infection Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; encourage predatory insects
How do I get rid of caterpillars on blue blossom?
Notched or skeletonized leaves, especially on young plants in spring Hand-pick; apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) for larger populations