Deformed leaves on lilly pilly

[justjoyful]

I have a few lilly pilly plants down the side, and whilst they seem to be growing well, they have deformed leaves (see photo).

Any idea what would be causing this? Is it harmful and I need to treat the plants? If so, how do I treat them?

Thanks,

[guzzigirl]

I believe this is damage caused by psyllids, a tiny sap sucking insect.

[bubba louie]

I believe this is damage caused by psyllids, a tiny sap sucking insect.

Yep. Unsightly only not a health issue. If it really bothers you just prune it off otherwise confidor is the only treatment I know of. I think you spray something like every 6 weeks in summer but you'd need to check that. In the future buy resistant varieties.

[brill]

Hi, Definately psyllids. The only way to remove the defornation is to prune. A systemic spray is what you need. Eg. Rogor, malathion, lebaycid. They are at their worst at the change of season from Winter-spring & summer-autumn. A systemic spray gets into the system of the plant so should protect the plant for a 2-3 months. If you look at the bottom of the leaf & bend it the insects will come out. Mum lays the egg in the leaf and as they grow the bumps get bigger. When they hatch they fly, but not very far, so will re-infest the plant. They prefer new growth to old but unless you have an experienced eye you don't see them until the leaf is older. What I would do is give the plant a prune to rid rid most of the lumpy leaves (this will help bush them up too), spray with a systemic spray then respray early spring and late summer.
Brill

[Luzy]

Thnaks for that info, Brill. So, Confidor won't do the trick?

[The Estate]

I get them on mine from time to time, but never worry too much , should i

[guzzigirl]

I get them on mine from time to time, but never worry too much , should i

no. it is only a cosmetic thing so if it doesn't bother you then don't worry about it.

[bubba louie]

Thnaks for that info, Brill. So, Confidor won't do the trick?

It will. It's a systemic as well.

[Pam]

Personally I think it makes the plants look sickly, so I won't buy any that are not resistant. Justjoyful, I'm aware that they came with your house. Given that the plants are so pathetic anyway you could go either of two ways - nurse the plants back to health, and either live with the distorted leaves or spray each year, or simply ditch the plants and start again, with resistant varieties that won't get attacked.

[brill]

Hi, If interested in resistent varieties try Syzygium Leumanii, Syzygium Cascade, Syzygium Little Gem, any other hybrid bred from Syz Leumanii or Syz Francisii, Syz Resilience and Syz paniculata. Stay away from any bred from Syz Australe
Brill

[bubba louie]

Hi, If interested in resistent varieties try Syzygium Leumanii, Syzygium Cascade, Syzygium Little Gem, any other hybrid bred from Syz Leumanii or Syz Francisii, Syz Resilience and Syz paniculata. Stay away from any bred from Syz Australe
Brill

Acmena smithii is also a good one, or for a small shrub try Tiny Trev.

[taffyman]

Hi, If interested in resistent varieties try Syzygium Leumanii, Syzygium Cascade, Syzygium Little Gem, any other hybrid bred from Syz Leumanii or Syz Francisii, Syz Resilience and Syz paniculata. Stay away from any bred from Syz Australe
Brill

That's interesting you should mention Syz Australe Brill. I have a Syz Australe 'Aussie Boomer' as a Bonsai and I've found it as tough as old boots. Never had a single deformed leaf on it, but I have had them on a couple of the other varieties I have here.

Aussie Boomer taken on 17th April this year.

[brill]

Hi, I think you've been lucky. I've known Aussie Boomer to get psyllids. A really good resistent one if you want a very low hedge or border is Acmena Allyns Magic. Virtually never needs pruning unless you want a defined shape such as a square and colourful new growth.
Brill