Pest identification
What's eating my alpine sea holly?
Slugs and snails
Signs: Holes and scalloped edges on young foliage; slime trails visible at the base of plants.
Control: Use iron phosphate pellets or copper tape barriers; go out at night to hand-collect on damp evenings.
Aphids
Signs: Small colonies on young flower stems cause sticky residue and minor distortion of emerging bracts.
Control: Spray with insecticidal soap solution; pinch off heavily infested shoot tips when caught early.
Keep alpine sea holly pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Alpine Sea Holly pests — FAQ
What is eating my alpine sea holly?
Alpine Sea Holly (Eryngium alpinum) is one of the most ornamental eryngiums and also one of the hardiest against pests. Slugs and snails are the main threat to seedlings and young rosettes. Aphids occasionally appear on soft new stems. Established plants with their stiff, spiny ruffs are almost entirely trouble-free.
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on alpine sea holly?
Holes and scalloped edges on young foliage; slime trails visible at the base of plants. Use iron phosphate pellets or copper tape barriers; go out at night to hand-collect on damp evenings.
How do I get rid of aphids on alpine sea holly?
Small colonies on young flower stems cause sticky residue and minor distortion of emerging bracts. Spray with insecticidal soap solution; pinch off heavily infested shoot tips when caught early.