Hellebore Pests

by Jean
(Virginia)

We planted some hellebores (Lenten rose) last year in our front yard and they are doing very well.

We love them because they don't require much maintenance and the deer don't eat them.

Our problem is that some little black bugs are all over the back of the leaves.

I'm wondering what these bugs are and what to do about them.

Help Please!
Jean

COMMENT:

That's a great question Jean. Although hellebores don't usually get pests and diseases, sometimes aphids can get on the underside of leaves and cause a problem with unsightly distorted leaves This happens as the they suck the nutrients out of the leaves.

To treat an outbreak organically, just mix up a soapy water mixture and apply it to the underside of the leaves where the aphids congregate.

To make the mix, simply add 1 or 2 tablespoons of liquid soap to 1 quart of water. Mix in a bucket and transfer to a sprayer.

Learn more about hellebore pests and diseases

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