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Protecting Potted Royal Empress Trees from Pests

Question: One of my two potted royal empress trees is being eaten—leaves only, not stems. Could be a bug or rabbit. What can I spray?

Answer

Dust the foliage with Sevin (carbaryl) to stop insect feeding; it also deters rabbits. However, royal empress (Paulownia tomentosa) grows far too large for containers. Root binding will cause dieback within a few years. Plan to plant it in the ground where it has ample space.

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