Euonymus Scale? - Ask Extension
Hi,
Help! See photos. This Euonymus, over 20 years old, is in the back of my yard, and we noticed recently how bad it looks. We are planning to cut...
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Euonymus Scale? #795117
Asked June 09, 2022, 2:04 PM EDT
Hi,
Help! See photos. This Euonymus, over 20 years old, is in the back of my yard, and we noticed recently how bad it looks. We are planning to cut it down because the roots and new growth are spreading into other plants. However, when we got close to it, we noticed what seems to be an infestation all over it. Should we spray it with something before cutting it down? If so, what? Will this spread to Crepe Myrtles, Spirea, Hydrangeas, or any other plants? Please let me know as soon as possible.
Thank you!
Tracy Stowe
Wake County North Carolina
Expert Response
Hello,
Scale is very common on euonymus plants but it wont always spread to other plants. The euonymus scale, Unaspis euonymi, is an armored scale that can cause complete defoliation or even death of the evergreen Euonymus. This scale also attacks a number of other plants such as English ivy, hibiscus, holly, honeysuckle, lilac, and pachysandra. I have not seen it on the other plants you mentioned.
Since the scale is found in the soil I would not plant another euonymus plant there or near that area. I would bags the plant then dig is up. Make sure to not put it in a compost pile but in the yard waste. I think your infestation is too much to save the plant.
This should get rid of it and not be a problem again. Here is a site for a bit more information, https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/euonymus-diseases-insect-pests/
Please let us know if you have any other questions and thank you for contacting us!
Scale is very common on euonymus plants but it wont always spread to other plants. The euonymus scale, Unaspis euonymi, is an armored scale that can cause complete defoliation or even death of the evergreen Euonymus. This scale also attacks a number of other plants such as English ivy, hibiscus, holly, honeysuckle, lilac, and pachysandra. I have not seen it on the other plants you mentioned.
Since the scale is found in the soil I would not plant another euonymus plant there or near that area. I would bags the plant then dig is up. Make sure to not put it in a compost pile but in the yard waste. I think your infestation is too much to save the plant.
This should get rid of it and not be a problem again. Here is a site for a bit more information, https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/euonymus-diseases-insect-pests/
Please let us know if you have any other questions and thank you for contacting us!
