I'm curious about this plant. It was given to me as a clipping a few years ago and now blooms prolifically. Is it a succulent or orchid?

– Laura Emigh, Sacramento

It's an Epiphyllum cactus (which makes it a succulent) – commonly called a cereus or orchid cactus. Native to Mexico, the more common white variety blooms at night, while the pink, or rosa like yours, may bloom during daylight. The flowers – which range from 6 inches across to as big as a dinner plate – can last two to three days in your variety. Others bloom and wither between dusk and dawn.

Do you know if there's an insect spray that will not kill bees? Our gardener has set up three beehives in my one-third-acre yard. The foliage on many of my shrubs was chewed on last summer. Also, we had whiteflies. They do a lot of damage, too.

– Ava Hahn, Carmichael

According to UC Master Gardener Bill Pierce, insecticidal soap is the most bee-friendly product to use. It can be purchased already mixed at nurseries, or you can make your own. Add one teaspoon of mild liquid soap (such as Ivory or Dr. Bonner's) in one quart water. Put in a spray bottle and apply to plants as needed. It helps control aphids and other pests.

Whiteflies can be eliminated by using sticky yellow traps, available at most nurseries, and by spraying the underside of plants with a soft stream of water at nightfall. The insects and their eggs are attached to the underside of leaves and stems at night, and the water knocks them to the ground. Since they are soft- bodied, the fall kills them.

Chewed shrub leaves can be caused by numerous garden visitors. For example, leaf-cutting bees chew the outer edges and use leaf parts to line their nests before depositing eggs. There is no need to control the bees and nothing can be done to stop these bees from chewing.

Finches have been seen chewing holes in sunflower leaves. Maybe they will do the same to other soft leaves.

Snails and slugs chew holes in the center of leaves and usually leave a silvery slime trail. There are many brands of snail baits on the market, and some control earwigs. Earwigs chew small, irregular holes.

Please help! This vine has been invading my hedge and groundcover for five to six years. I've tried Roundup and tree and bush killer but can only apply it to the new growth that exits the hedge or groundcover. And it's not working. It appears removing the hedge and groundcover may be my only option.

– Roger Blankenheim, Rio Linda

Your vine is Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), a tough customer to eliminate when growing in a hedge or groundcover, says UC Master Gardener Bill Pierce.

You need to carefully trace each runner back to its source. Then you have two choices: Dig the roots out, or cut the vine off and paint the stump with undiluted Eraser, Weed-Master, Credit 41 or other 41 percent glyphosate herbicide or a 50 percent solution of Roundup.

You'll be taking a chance with the Roundup since the honeysuckle's roots may be entwined with those of the hedge or groundcover. The chemical will cause some of those plants to die partially or completely.

It is tedious to do this, but it's easier than removing all the plants in order to get at the vine. Remember to read label instructions carefully when using any chemical.

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