Question
Dear Steve,
I just planted a new Wisteria plant this summer. I love the blooms and I had heard they are a very sturdy plant, even invasive.  The plant appeared to be thriving for several months. Now I have noticed that it's not growing and many of the leaves are browning and dropping. The new growth has turned brown. After close inspection, I noticed that the base of the plant has been damaged (I have lots of rabbits in the area, could they have eaten off some of the bark?). After digging below the damaged area I discovered lots or red little bugs or mites. Could they have caused the damaged and what can I do to save the plant and get rid of the bugs?  Many of the leaves were eaten up also and in the same area I have new peonies and the bugs have chewed through their stems. Any suggestions?!!

Answer
Lori:
Good Morning!  If the bark has been chewed away on the lower stem, and leaves and twigs are browning, the outlook may not be too bright.  This type of damage is often irreversible. Rabbits, squirrels, and other animals can do this type of damage.  The red bugs in the soil are probably not guilty of anything except just being there on dead organic matter. You might try protecting the stem with hardware cloth wrapped around the lower portions or investing in an animal repellent at the local garden center if you decide to replace the plant. Keep in mind the repellent does wear off over time.

Thanks for you interest. Wisteria has a special spot in my childhood.  I use to catch the male bumblebee (does not sting) that often visited the flowers and tie a string to one of its legs and tether it to my finger and watch it fly around my hand.

Steve

P.S. For the insects that you find in your garden that you are concerned about or feel that may be causing you some grief- you can collect some in a jar or medicine bottle and show them to someone at your local garden center OR local county Cooperative Extension Service office. Often these two sources are good for identification- which in turn is the first step in managing these critters- IF they are considered "bad guys".  Many of our insects really don't significantly impact the overall health of our landscape plants.