Virginia Creeper

[snwbnny]

Lastly, for anyone interested in maples, especially the larger ones, best not to plant them near your water line nor your septic

I was always told at the nursery up here (from Leona) that maples were Ok to plant near septic tanks and leach lines, that their roots were the kind to stay near the surface.  I planted about 4 different types of maples in my backyard (near the leach lines) so I am hoping she told me good info. Now I will go and check into it further.

Everything I've read has said to completely avoid maples anywhere near septic tanks/fields. I was previously considering one in the backyard for shade but the spot is about 10 feet from the tank. We actually have one planted right next to our leach lines and I'm considering tearing it out before we have problems. Some have suggested putting some root killer down the drain.

[3PinkRoses]

Can my virginia Creeper have both, white flies and a whitish leaf hopper? I gave it a shaking today and saw both types of insects fly around,,,then quickly hid back under leaves.
 I would like to get rid of them, I can't quite grasp the lengthy responses above...oil?  hugh? I think I need more clarification on how to do this...thanks so much

[superMom]

3PinkRoses
Here is a good website I found with basic info on whitefly
http://www.planetnatural.com/site/xdpy/kb/whitefly-control.html
Here is part of the article: 
Whitefly Control: Yellow sticky traps are helpful for monitoring and suppressing adult populations. If found, use the Bug Blaster or hose off plants with a strong stream of water to reduce pest numbers. Natural predators of this pest include ladybugs and lacewing, which feed on their eggs and the whitefly parasite which destroys nymphs and pupae. For best results, make releases when pest levels are low to medium. If populations are high, use a least-toxic, short-lived natural pesticide to establish control, then release predatory insects to maintain control. Insecticidal soap, neem oil, and botanical insecticides can be used to spot treat heavily infested areas. Spot treat with insecticidal soap or botanical insecticides if population become intolerable.

Tip: Insecticidal control can be difficult because the insect is resistant to many synthetic insecticides. However, horticultural oils, which work by smothering insects, are very effective on all stages of this pest.

Note: Ants feed on the honeydew that sucking insects produce and will protect these pests from their natural enemies. An application of Tanglefoot Pest Barrier to the stalks of roses and other woody plants will help keep ants away.

[3PinkRoses]

O.K....now that all the Creeper leaves are gone, I can see 100's and 100's of those little white insects. When I rustle up the leaves that have fallen down to the ground & clean at the base of each plant, they jump like the crazy...everywhere, even on me! I'm ready to kill these suckers...so how do I do it again? I don't think a garden hose/water is the answer. I want them gone~dead so they stop speading.

[YardBird]

3PinkRoses,
Do you mind if I send you a PM?
YB

[Hummingbird]

I also had infestations of white flies on not only my Virginia Creeper but other vine type plants, like Wisteria and Honeysuckle. Try Gardens Alive for an assortment of safe, organic products. Look for them online. They often have pictures and information in their catalogs of insects and plant diseases. I love their products.

[3PinkRoses]

Update on the white flies or what ever little white creature that's thriving in the depths of my Virginia Creeper....they are alive and well. I rustled up the vine at the roots of my  VC and those little buggers went hopping everywhere. Hense, they live through the snow, wintery weather. My plan is to take care of them, naturally before they ruin the rest of my VC.

[snowave]

Neem oil works well for most white fly infestations.

[3PinkRoses]

I just wanted to chime in on behalf of my Virginia Creepers. I have had such GREAT luck with cuttings the past few years. I can always get them going in a plain tub of water after I've cut them off of a more mature vine.  I let them sit in the water, changing often, and wait until I see a small root growth begin. Sometimes it takes a few months. I purge off the dead leaves and ends of each cutting as they live in the water. Most of the time, they look dead...but they are not.... In the summer of 2010, I planted about 5 cuttings along a chain link fence. In 2 summers, 2011 and 2012, they have grown to cover the fence...with a little help from me. I navigate the vines through the fence links and it has been fun! I couldn't be happier!!!!

[in my dreams]

I have some native CA Clematis (woody vine 3" w/white puff-ball seed heads) growing through my chain link, but it seems slow to fill in.  Maybe I should try VA Creeper. . .

[lynnc]

3PinkRoses,

Did you get rid of the whitefly? If so, how?

[3PinkRoses]

The white flies are much, much, much better this year. Although, I did notice, they live mostly year round. They moved to my firewood pile when the VC vines were bare. When I'd get wood, they'd just around.....skittering, flying a few feet. 
Most of my plants seem to be doing a lot better this summer. They are fuller, greener, less mold on my roses, growing well, spreading well.

[tcaarabians]

What does this mean for fall? Last year I thought it would never turn red. Suddenly, I have
red leaves showing. Just a few.. but what?  cheryl o7o

[3PinkRoses]

I wanted to reply to above...no, I never really got rid of the white flies. This year doesn't seem as bad as last year..things are looking better in my yard this year. If I go rustle up the VC's, the little white flies take off to jumping or flying or whatever they do to get to another leaf