Imidacloprid / Mealy Bug / Gardenia

Imthechuck · June 25, 2015

I am going to start using Imidacloprid/ Dominion on my gardenia bushes since a few times during they get major infestations of mealy bugs.

I plan on using it as a systemic/soil drench but I was wondering how many times a year do I need to do this?

I am having troubles finding this answer on the web....

clkeiper · June 25, 2015

Since you aren't using any of the plant to eat I would suggest using it as soon as you see a new infestation starting... or read the the rose fertilizer with imiclodiprid as the active ingredient. I don't have any left or I would do that, but I bought it at Lowes and it came in a blue plastic "jug" container.... maybe "safer" brand.

Imthechuck · March 27, 2016

I wish I saw this earlier; I just applied a soil drench of dominion/imacloprid hoping to keep the mealy bugs away once the annual infestation begins in June... figured I would be proactive this year

The woman before me planted the gardenia is less than an ideal space but we live on Gardenia Dr., so I need to at least try and keep it and the plant flowers quite well in its less than ideal location

If the plant gets infected; its getting ripped out an a nice wave palm will go in its place

PureHarvest · March 27, 2016

The Bayer version is used just once a year for trees and shrubs.
It takes time for the roots to absorb it, so you will not see imediate control.
You will want to apply at the first sign of pests.
Keep in mind it does not control spider mites, nor will it take out an established/heavy infestation of existing insects.
Many people apply it in spring on shrubs that they know get the same pests every year to stay ahead of a problem they know they will have.

June 25, 2015	#1
Imthechuck Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: SouthFlorida Zone 10 Posts: 120	Imidacloprid / Mealy Bug / Gardenia I am going to start using Imidacloprid/ Dominion on my gardenia bushes since a few times during they get major infestations of mealy bugs. I plan on using it as a systemic/soil drench but I was wondering how many times a year do I need to do this? I am having troubles finding this answer on the web.... Last edited by Imthechuck; June 25, 2015 at 12:28 PM.

June 25, 2015	#2
clkeiper Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: ohio Posts: 4,350	Since you aren't using any of the plant to eat I would suggest using it as soon as you see a new infestation starting... or read the the rose fertilizer with imiclodiprid as the active ingredient. I don't have any left or I would do that, but I bought it at Lowes and it came in a blue plastic "jug" container.... maybe "safer" brand. __________________ carolyn k

March 27, 2016	#3
Imthechuck Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: SouthFlorida Zone 10 Posts: 120	I wish I saw this earlier; I just applied a soil drench of dominion/imacloprid hoping to keep the mealy bugs away once the annual infestation begins in June... figured I would be proactive this year The woman before me planted the gardenia is less than an ideal space but we live on Gardenia Dr., so I need to at least try and keep it and the plant flowers quite well in its less than ideal location If the plant gets infected; its getting ripped out an a nice wave palm will go in its place

March 27, 2016	#4
PureHarvest Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Mid-Atlantic right on the line of Zone 7a and 7b Posts: 1,369	The Bayer version is used just once a year for trees and shrubs. It takes time for the roots to absorb it, so you will not see imediate control. You will want to apply at the first sign of pests. Keep in mind it does not control spider mites, nor will it take out an established/heavy infestation of existing insects. Many people apply it in spring on shrubs that they know get the same pests every year to stay ahead of a problem they know they will have.