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Burning Bush Spider Mites: Stone Mulch Creates Perfect Habitat

Diagnosis

Premature leaf drop, branch dieback, possible scale on 9-year-old burning bushes in stone beds = two-spotted spider mites. Stones reflect heat, creating ideal mite microclimate.

Treatment

Spray registered miticide now to reduce population.
Spray again mid-spring next year for prevention.
Fertilize this fall to strengthen plants.

Where to Buy Miticide

Local garden centers carry miticides (brand irrelevant). Online: North Country Organics, etc.

Shrubs: Burning Bush Trouble? Check for Insects, Not Fertilizer pH; Identifying and Controlling Tomato Hornworms; Cottony Scale on Roses in Miami: Organic Control Strategy; Reviving Petunias in Mississippi Heat: Fish Emulsion and Compost; Dividing Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus): Feasibility and Technique; Burning Bushes Dying in Clay Soil: Diagnosis & Replanting Fix; Burning Bush Problems: Transplant Shock or Spider Mites; Butterfly Bush Not Leafing Out After Fall Pruning; Renovating Overgrown Foundation Shrubs: Species ID First; Transplanting Mature Burning Bushes: 2-Day Hold Is Fine

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