Knowledgebase

Issue with sedum #880684

Asked August 08, 2024, 10:47 AM EDT

Hi, My autumn joy sedum is being attached by an insect or disease. I have many plants surrounding my pool landscaping. They are all at least 8 years old and were once very healthy and spreading like crazy. Now they all look like this. Can you please help me identify the problem and advise what to do about it? Thank you.

Dakota County Minnesota

Expert Response

Hi Teri,

I would suspect slugs or perhaps a flea beetle that seemed especially attracted to sedum and was found in Ohio a few years ago.

Slugs don't usually attack sedum but it's been such a wet year that they're thriving. Here's a page on what to do:

https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/slugs

With your extensive damage I wonder if this could be the problem:

https://bygl.osu.edu/node/2061

You should closely examine the plants to see if you can spot any bugs. Slugs are more likely to be out at night, or first thing in the morning.

Insecticides that kill flea beetles also kill beneficial insects, so you should be careful about using them. If you go this route, it's best to spray at dusk when pollinators aren't active and the plants can dry overnight and won't get burned by the sun.

Here's a page on flea beetles:

https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/flea-beetles-5-592/

Good luck. 


MJ Replied August 10, 2024, 4:08 PM EDT
I appreciate the advice. Thank you!
Teri


On Aug 10, 2024, at 3:08 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied August 10, 2024, 6:08 PM EDT

You’re welcome!

MJ Replied August 11, 2024, 8:57 AM EDT

Loading ...