Pest identification
What's eating my agrimony?
Aphids
Signs: Sticky colonies on fresh shoots and flower spikes; curled leaves and honeydew that encourages sooty mould.
Control: Spray with insecticidal soap or a strong water jet. Attract aphid predators by planting companion flowers.
Sawfly larvae
Signs: Pale or greenish caterpillar-like larvae eat between leaf veins, leaving skeletonised or lacy patches.
Control: Hand-pick larvae; apply pyrethrin spray for larger infestations. Check leaf undersides regularly.
Slugs and snails
Signs: Irregular holes in young basal leaves and seedlings, with characteristic slime trails.
Control: Use iron phosphate pellets, copper tape around pots, or beer traps. Hand-pick after rain or at dusk.
Keep agrimony pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Agrimony pests — FAQ
What is eating my agrimony?
Agrimony is a tough, largely pest-resistant wildflower herb. Aphids are the most frequent nuisance, clustering on soft new growth. Caterpillars of certain moths occasionally graze the foliage, and sawfly larvae can skeletonise leaves. Slugs and snails may damage seedlings in spring. Deer rarely bother it due to the bitter, astringent foliage.
How do I get rid of aphids on agrimony?
Sticky colonies on fresh shoots and flower spikes; curled leaves and honeydew that encourages sooty mould. Spray with insecticidal soap or a strong water jet. Attract aphid predators by planting companion flowers.
How do I get rid of sawfly larvae on agrimony?
Pale or greenish caterpillar-like larvae eat between leaf veins, leaving skeletonised or lacy patches. Hand-pick larvae; apply pyrethrin spray for larger infestations. Check leaf undersides regularly.
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on agrimony?
Irregular holes in young basal leaves and seedlings, with characteristic slime trails. Use iron phosphate pellets, copper tape around pots, or beer traps. Hand-pick after rain or at dusk.