Pest identification
What's eating my prunus subhirtella 'autumnalis'?
Bullfinches
Signs: Systematically strip flower buds during winter, ruining the distinctive autumn–winter blossom display that makes this tree special.
Control: Net small trees from November through March. Grease bands and feeders moved away from the tree may offer some relief.
Cherry blackfly (Myzus cerasi)
Signs: Dense black colonies tightly curl spring shoot tips, producing honeydew and sooty mould that persist through summer.
Control: Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to affected shoot tips in spring; hand-squish small early colonies.
Winter moth caterpillars (Operophtera brumata)
Signs: Larvae damage opening buds and young foliage in March–April, leaving ragged holes and reducing vigour of new shoots.
Control: Sticky grease bands on trunk from October. Pyrethrin or spinosad spray for active caterpillar infestations in spring.
Keep prunus subhirtella 'autumnalis' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Prunus subhirtella 'Autumnalis' pests — FAQ
What is eating my prunus subhirtella 'autumnalis'?
Prunus subhirtella 'Autumnalis' (autumn cherry) blooms November through March, making bullfinch bud-stripping an especially costly threat as it coincides with flowering. Cherry blackfly attacks spring shoots. Winter moth caterpillars damage buds. Protecting the winter blossom from birds is the highest priority for this ornamental cultivar.
How do I get rid of bullfinches on prunus subhirtella 'autumnalis'?
Systematically strip flower buds during winter, ruining the distinctive autumn–winter blossom display that makes this tree special. Net small trees from November through March. Grease bands and feeders moved away from the tree may offer some relief.
How do I get rid of cherry blackfly (myzus cerasi) on prunus subhirtella 'autumnalis'?
Dense black colonies tightly curl spring shoot tips, producing honeydew and sooty mould that persist through summer. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to affected shoot tips in spring; hand-squish small early colonies.
How do I get rid of winter moth caterpillars (operophtera brumata) on prunus subhirtella 'autumnalis'?
Larvae damage opening buds and young foliage in March–April, leaving ragged holes and reducing vigour of new shoots. Sticky grease bands on trunk from October. Pyrethrin or spinosad spray for active caterpillar infestations in spring.