Also examine camellias, sasanquas and hollies for scale insects on the lower foliage. Control with Orthene, dormant oil, summer oil or horticultural soaps. To encourage more rapid reblooming , pinch off old flowers on bedding plants after their first flower cycle is completed this spring. Roses may encounter insect problems. Watch for aphids on tender new growth, thrips on flowers and cucumber beetles on foliage.
Beetles are especially a problem if a vegetable garden is nearby.
Buds infested with thrips will not open properly, producing distorted blooms with discolored edges on the petals. Thrip control measures include applications of malathion, Orthene or Mavrik at recommended rates. Aphids attack the young, growing foliage and buds, feeding on plant juices. Although a problem, aphids are easily controlled with regular applications of most general use insecticides. Several species of spider mites occur on roses.