What's eating my agapanthus 'headbourne hybrids'?

Agapanthus 'Headbourne Hybrids' are largely pest-resistant but aphids are the most common problem, clustering on young stems and flower stalks. Slugs and snails damage emerging foliage in spring. Vine weevil grubs can destroy roots, especially in containers. Rabbits will occasionally browse the strap leaves.

Colonies of soft-bodied insects on new shoots and flower stalks; sticky honeydew leads to sooty mould. Blast off with a strong jet of water; introduce or encourage ladybirds and lacewings; use insecticidal soap spray for heavy infestations.

Irregular holes and silvery slime trails on young leaves and emerging flower shoots in spring. Apply ferric phosphate pellets around plants; use copper tape on pots; hand-pick at night; encourage hedgehogs and ground beetles.

C-shaped white grubs eat roots causing sudden wilting and plant collapse, especially in containers; adult beetles notch leaf edges. Apply nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) to moist compost in late summer or autumn; use vine weevil killer drench for pot-grown plants.