Question
I have a black powder all over my crype myrtle.  It also has things that look like aphids all over back of leaves and a few womrs that are black and yellow.  The leaves are turning yellow and all falling off and it barely bloomed this summer.  What is wrong and what do I do?

Answer
Ginger:
This black stuff is probably sooty mold. See if it wipes off the leaf with a wet finger or wet paper towel.  If it does, then it is SM, which is fungal organisms growing on that sticky/sweet insect "poop".  Sounds like you need an insecticide called for.  Visit your local garden center for best suggestions. Some examples include Orthene, Insecticidal Soap,or Bayer Tree and Shrub Insect Control.

Happy Gardening!

Steve