Q.I Have Holes In My Joe Pye Weed Leaves, What Can I Use To Control This.
These are actual holes, I know it’s not Japanese beetles, and it’s being eaten at night, as i don’t see anything during the day, what can I spray or use to deter this?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
It's important to identify the culprit. Then you know what recourse to take. For example, does it look like caterpillar damage? They eat large sections of leaves. Is it a fungus? Some fungal infections leave spots that drop out, leaving a shot hole look.
If you are growing Joe Pye weed for butterflies and wildlife, it may help to know it is a host plant for many moths and butterflies, so you may not want to destroy those.
If a pesticide is needed, Neem oil or insecticidal soap poses the least danger to pollinators. However, they have little residual control.
These articles should help pinpoint the offenders and how to deter them.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/nocturnal-pests.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/holes-in-plant-leaves.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/joe-pye-weed/growing-joe-pye-weed.htm
