Leafrollers
A leaf roller is a common pest to cannas. The leaf rolling caterpillar is the result of a skipper moth who lays her eggs on the cannas. She then sews the unfurled leaves closed. When her eggs hatch out, they feed on the epidermis of the canna leaves. You may see holes in a line across the leaves. Inside the leaves, you will see the brown excrement of the caterpillars. You will probably find the caterpillars inside the leaves too. Cannas are the primary food source of leaf rollers. They do not attack the other plants in your garden. The best way to control leaf rollers is by cutting the canna stalks down after a hard freeze and burning or trashing the debris. Do NOT compost the stalks. Eggs may be on the leaves and will overwinter in them and then hatch out in the spring. You can also hand pick the caterpillars off the leaves and destroy them. You can also use pesticides containing malathion, orthene, permethrin, or bacillus thuringiensis (use a surfactant also). Do NOT use sprays or systemics on cannas that will be used in the pond. AB Thuricide Concentrate |
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