Hi there - first time owner/planter of Spanish Broom. I have two questions: first -- my flowers on it are drying up/dieing -- is this normal? I just didn't know how long they lasted. Second -- On my flowers, I've noticed bugs which look like tiny tan/brown slivers. They're on every flower. What are they and what do I do?
Dear Sawyer, I am sorry to report that your Spanish Broom has Thrips. They are quite a problem on many blooming plants right now. Interestingly (irritatingly) they are the cause of mis-shapen or burt looking blooms or blooms that do not last very long. You will need to treat them to make the problem go away with a systemic insecticide. I recommend Bayer all in one tree and shrub insecticide, it will protect them for a WHOLE year! Give your shrubs some root-stimulator too.
