What's eating my alma potschke aster?

Alma Potschke aster attracts aphids, leafhoppers, and lace bugs through summer. Its dense, upright habit can trap humidity and encourage powdery mildew, which weakens plants enough to worsen insect attacks. Deer and rabbits browse the foliage readily, making them serious threats in gardens where these animals are present.

Dense colonies on shoot tips and flower buds, causing curled leaves and sticky honeydew Strong water jet; insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage lacewings and ladybugs

Stippled, silvery upper leaf surface; dark excrement spots on undersides; leaves dry out prematurely Insecticidal soap or neem oil spray targeting leaf undersides; remove heavily infested leaves

Ragged, torn stems and foliage eaten down, especially in late summer when buds form Physical deer fencing; deer-repellent sprays (reapply after rain); plant deterrent border plants

Irregular holes in leaves and stems at soil level, especially on young spring growth Copper tape around pots; iron phosphate pellets; hand-pick at night; encourage ground beetles