Philadelphus ( mock orange ) again .

[hocus pocus]

Posted on here some weeks ago, re non flowering Mock
Orange, since then I've noticed the stems are covered with
tiny black flies. I think that will prevent it from flowering this
year, but after I've given it a good pruning at the end of
summer , how can I make sure that it flowers next year.?
Is it just spray with normal bug gun type of thing , or do I
need something stronger .?Thanks for any advice.

[nonomaybe]

hocus pocus when you give it a "good pruning" do you cut the whole shrub? For you should just trim back on the wood that has flowered otherwise you may be removing next years flowering branches.Unfortunately the mock -orange is prone to black fly and if it's not too large(the bush!!) a powerful jet of water , over AND under should do the trick.If you're not overly concerned about the use of chemicals in the garden any of the bug-killers will suffice, as would soapy water through a spray can.

[Lonnie]

Mock Orange is notorious for attracting Blackfly, I use a spraygun with just water and washing up liquid.
Once clear, just spray again at the first sign of them.