Q.our white crepe myrtles have a strange white substance on the trunk
Our crepe myrtles have a strange white substance on the trunk and branches (not the leaves). It is raining today and only noticed the substance this morning (was not there yesterday). When I scraped it off to see what it was, I discovered it to be soft and pink inside.
Please advise. Thank you very much.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Sounds like it may be any one of the following pests: Mealybugs or scales, which commonly affect many types of plants both indoors and out. OR it could be attributed to the azalea bark scale, which is a seemingly new pest on crepe myrtles. It is an insect that is white and cottony looking and sucks the plant juices from the branches.
Here are some articles that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/mealybugs-white-residue-on-plants-leaves.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/scale-bug-how-to-control-plant-scale.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/azalea-bark-scale.htm
