What's eating my allium 'hair'?

Allium vineale 'Hair' is a quirky, fine-leaved ornamental that shares the genus resistance to most pests. Allium leaf miner is the chief threat in UK gardens. The thread-like foliage can show thrips damage. Slugs may nibble emerging growth. Its vigorous, wiry nature means it typically recovers quickly from minor attacks.

Stippled feeding punctures along the thin foliage; larval tunnels weaken stems and may enter the small bulbs. Use fine insect-proof netting during the two adult flight periods (spring and autumn). Remove and destroy affected material.

Silver-flecked distortion on the characteristic thread-like leaves; less visually obvious than on broad-leaved alliums. Insecticidal soap spray; remove heavily affected foliage; maintain good air circulation around plantings.

Bite marks and partial destruction of new shoots, mostly during damp spring weather. Iron phosphate pellets around the clump base; coarse grit mulch; hand-pick at night.