What's eating my agapanthus africanus 'albus'?

Agapanthus africanus 'Albus' is generally robust but aphids target its flower stems and soft new growth. Vine weevil is a serious threat in pots, with grubs destroying the thick rhizomatous roots. Slugs damage emerging spring foliage. This species is less cold-hardy, so stressed plants are more susceptible.

Clusters of small insects on shoot tips and flower stalks; sooty mould may develop on honeydew deposits. Spray with a strong water jet or insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators such as ladybirds and hoverflies.

Grubs consume fleshy roots causing sudden collapse; adults notch leaf margins with characteristic scalloped feeding damage. Use biological nematode drenches (Steinernema kraussei) in late summer; apply approved insecticide drenches to pots.

Irregular holes in emerging leaves with visible slime trails, most severe in spring. Apply ferric phosphate pellets; use gritty mulch around crowns; hand-pick at dusk.