Question
I have planted "upright elephant" ears under my crepe myrtles as this is the only spot for the proper sun/shade.  The question is they myrtles seem to have made the entire ears sticky with something.  My fear is that the ears wont be able to breathe if they are covered in this stuff and I don't want to lose them.  Do I need to spray the trees with something and the ears?  Thanks for your help,

Pam

Answer
This caused by an  insect either an aphid or a scale. Both  of these insect suck the plant juices form the plant and secrete a substance called Honeydew--which is high in sugar content and sticky. Control the sucking aphids or scales and the honeydew will stop. Treat the tree wit an insecticide called Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub Insect control. This is applied to the soil around the tree and the roots will carry it to the twigs and leaves and when the insects suck the juices they are killed. It will take a week or so for the insecticide to reach the top of the tree depending on the size. This will not harm the elephant ears and will in fact protect them from insects. Here is a web link to this product check with your local garden type store for it.
http://www.bayeradvanced.com/tree-shrub-care/products/12-month-tree-shrub-insect...