Knowledgebase

Disease or Infestation on Penstemon? #867744

Asked May 09, 2024, 1:09 PM EDT

Is this a disease? This leaf damage and curling has affected two out of several penstemon (Husker Red) and may be affecting the others. Should I take out the plants? Any other way to address the situation?

Montgomery County Maryland

Expert Response

Hi, 

This looks like feeding damage from four lined plant bug. Most plants grow out of the damage by mid-summer. They are fast so it is difficult to target them with a contact insecticide like insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. 

You can try to pick them off if you can get them but the penstemon should be fine. If the leaves are too damaged you can pick them off. 

Emily

Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied May 09, 2024, 2:52 PM EDT

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