Which beastie is causing this damage?

I'm getting seriously worried about my Phlox and Penstemon. They sit next to eachother in my flowerbed and seem to be suffering the same affliction. About 2 weeks ago I noticed the tips of the penstemon leaves turning purple and drooping over; a quick investigation revealed each shoot had a winged black insect burrowed deep inside it (laying eggs I think). I removed as many as I could.

I then noticed the leaves on my phlox turning purple and shrivelling badly, curling up completely and turning crispy dry to the touch. Unfurling the leaves I found the same winged insects surrounded by either eggs or poo, as well as tiny holes in some of the leaves! Again, I removed as many as possible.

Apparently these could be aphids, but they're not in clusters (usually one per leaf/shoot) and have long translucent wings), so i'm not sure that is right. Also having removed them the plants still look all sad and droopy. Does anyone recognise the description of these beasties, or the damage they've caused. I just don't know if these plants will make it if I can't figure out what these critters are :(

 

Hi

Phlox and Penstemon easily bounce back as you can do the "Chelsea chop"l which is to take out/cut 1/4 of the top growth which will help to bush them out and produce more flowers but a little later than normal , plus it will tidy up the plants for you

I think it may be Thrips (insect) I know both plants cam also get mildew but still early in the season for that.

Any chance you can give them a liquid feed twice a week ?

Spruce

 

Thanks @Spruce. I googled thrips and I'm not sure, but I acually managed to fish out one of the beasties buried deep in my penstemon leaves and take a photo. There is one insect in each shoot, and one or two per leaf on my penstemon. Any ideas what this is?

 

looks like blackfly , you always get more problems with new gardens as the balance hasnt settled out with all the good insects etc , I rarely get any greenfly and if I do not much .... have you nipped the tops out ?

 

Thanks @Spruce, by "nipped out" do you mean removed? If so no I have not, but it makes sense as the leaves are twisted and ruined, I suppose they won't recover. I've also discovered these on my new clematis nearby. I will get spraying tomorrow!

 

yes remove a good 4 inches.

New side shoots will appear very soon and the plus side you will have more blooms and a bit later than the others