Q.Will My Broom Live?
It went from beautiful to dying in a week or little more. It had a massive infestation of caterpillars I didn’t see until it was over half eaten. Over a few days I picked what hopefully is all of them off. It looks awful. Any chance it’ll live?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Unfortunately, your photos did not come through. I am unable to see the damage. Being an invasive species, it should be able to withstand severe damage, but continued stripping of foliage will kill it off.
As long as you can get a grip on those caterpillars, I think it can have a chance to recover. A wonderful bacteria that is harmless to us, but devastating for caterpillars will be Bacillus thuringiensis. This is what I would recommend.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/using-bacillus-thuringiensis.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/prevent-caterpillars.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/broom-plants/information-on-broom-shrubs.htm
